druim

A "druim" is a Gaelic term primarily used in Scottish and Irish contexts to describe a small, rounded hill or hillock. The word derives from the Gaelic languages, where it generally refers to a mound or elevated landform. Druim can be encountered in place names across Scotland and Ireland, often denoting features that are modest in height but prominent in local landscape.

In geographical terms, a druim is typically a low, rounded rise that may be part of a larger hill or mountain system. These landforms are often characterized by grassy or heath-covered surfaces and may serve as navigational landmarks or natural boundaries within rural areas. The term is distinct from larger hill or mountain descriptors such as "beinn" or "cùl" in Gaelic.

Historically, druidic or Celtic significance has been associated with some druim formations, as ancient peoples sometimes regarded elevated landforms as sacred or strategic sites. In modern usage, however, the term is largely descriptive, used in topographical surveys and local place names.

Examples of place names incorporating "druim" include Druim Mòr ("big ridge") and Druim na Deirge ("ridge of the gate"), illustrating the descriptive nature of the term. Overall, "druim" remains a fundamental element in Gaelic topographical vocabulary, highlighting the significance of natural landforms in cultural and geographical identity.