yeti

Name given by the Sherpas of east Nepal to an unidentified animal of the Himalayas, also known as the abominable snowman.

The creature reputedly inhabits the deserts of scree at an altitude of about 4,000–5,000 m/13,000–16,000 ft. Photographs claiming to show footprints, 15–30 cm/6–12 in long with a broad heel and separated toe, have been the subject of much debate.

The first report of a yeti appeared in Europe in 1889, and the term ‘abominable snowman’ was translated from the Tibetan by Henry Newman, a member of the 1921 Everest expedition.