thalweg

noun

thal·​weg
ˈtälˌveg,
-vāḵ
plural -s
1
a
: a line following the lowest part of a valley whether under water or not
b
: the line of continuous maximum descent from any point on a land surface or one crossing all contour lines at right angles
c
: subsurface water percolating beneath and in the same direction as a surface stream course
2
: the middle of the chief navigable channel of a waterway which constitutes a boundary line between states

Word History

Etymology

German talweg (formerly spelled thalweg), from tal valley (from Old High German) + weg way, path, from Old High German

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Cite this Entry

“Thalweg.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thalweg. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

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