Summit
A summit is a point on a surface that is higher in elevation than all points immediately adjacent to it. Mathematically, a summit is a local maximum in elevation. The topographic terms „acme“, „apex“, „peak“, and „zenith“ are synonyms.
„Never measure the height of a mountain until you have reached the top. Then you will see how low it was.“Dag Hammarskjold
Definition
The term „summit“ is generally only used for a mountain peak with some significant amount of topographic prominence height above the lowest point en route to the nearest higher peak.
Near a higher peak
Summits near a higher peak, with some prominence or isolation, but not reaching a certain cutoff value for these quantities, are often considered subsummits.
A pyramidal peak is an exaggerated form produced by ice erosion of a mountain top. Summit may also refer to the highest point along a line, trail, or route. In many parts of the western United States, the term refers to the highest point along a road, highway, or railroad. For example, the highest point along Interstate 80 in California is referred to as Donner Summit (not to be confused with Donner Pass, which is located just to the south.)