An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A natural elevation of the Earth’s surface rising to a summit, and attaining an altitude greater than that of a hill.

Etymology (EN): From O.Fr. montaigne, from V.L. *montanea “mountain, mountain region,” from L. montanus “mountainous,” from mons (gen. montis) “mountain,” minere “to project, jut, threaten,” from PIE base *men- “to project;” cf. Av. matay-, mati- “protrusion of mountain range,” framanyente “to be protruding, jutting;”
from PIE base *men- “to stand out, to project;” (other related terms: mouth, prominent, amount, etc.).

Etymology (PE): Kuh “mountain,” from Mid.Pers. kôf “mountain, hill; hump;” O.Pers. kaufa- “mountain;” Av. kaofa- “mountain.”