yurt

noun

1. A large, round, semi-permanent tent with vertical walls and a conical roof, usually associated with Central Asia and Mongolia (where it is known as a ger).

   “[T]heir [the Nogais'] cattle grazed on the Little Injik, only seven versts from the boundary line. In summer they kept them in the Black Mountains, and in winter at their auls. They lived in felt yurts, and often changed their place of abode.”

   “Who would have imagined that the circular, skin-covered, pole-framed tents used by Mongolian nomads would find another life in the Colorado backcountry? The Mongols might be surprised if they could see how their portable structures have been improved and put to use in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. […] About halfway to the [Neff Mountain] yurt, the trail makes an uphill switchback and passes the bottom of a big, open bowl.”

   “Northeast of the center's main group of yurts is a new neighbor—the Spruce Hole Yurt—operated by Cumbres Nordic Adventures. This yurt is easy to get to, affords scenic views, and serves up classic touring terrain.”

   “The principal dwelling of the nomadic Kazakhs, the circular, felt-covered yurt is a potent image of Kazakh culture. Few Kazakhs now live in yurts, although they are still used by some pastoralists who still move their herds into summer mountain pastures. […] But the imagery of the yurt remains central to Kazakh ethnic identity, and provides national cultural symbolism deployed by the authorities of independent Kazakhstan.”

2. (historical)The natural resources and arable land over which a Cossack stanitsa had exclusive control in their territory.