talus

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree French talusbor. English talus Borrowed from French talus.

1. A sloping heap of fragments of rock lying at the foot of a precipice.

   “By the time he reached the first talus slides under the tall escarpments of the Pilares the dawn was not far to come.”

   “Above here is what is known as a talus slope - sandstone that has gradually disintegrated and tumbled down to create a menacing sloping pile of loose rock.”

2. The slope of an embankment wall, which is thicker at the bottom than at the top.