Main Entry: riv·er

Pronunciation: \ˈri-vər\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: 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

Date: 14th century

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>