river

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noun, riv·er often attributive \ˈri-vÉ™r\

: a large natural flow of water that crosses an area of land and goes into an ocean, a lake, etc.

: a large flow of something

Full Definition of RIVER

1

a :  a natural stream of water of usually considerable volume

b :  watercourse

2

a :  something resembling a river <a river of lava>

b plural :  large or overwhelming quantities <drank rivers of coffee>

— up the river

:  to or in prison <was sent up the river>

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Examples of RIVER

1. The raft is too small to use on this part of the river.
2. Rivers of mud flowed down the hillside.

Origin of RIVER

Middle English rivere, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *riparia, from Latin, feminine of riparius riparian, from ripa bank, shore; perhaps akin to Greek ereipein to tear down

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

Rhymes with RIVER

flivver, giver, liver, quiver, shiver, sliver