Coulee: meaning, definitions and examples

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coulee

 

[ kuหหˆliห ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

geographical feature

A coulee is a type of geographic formation that is characterized by a deep and narrow valley, often formed by the erosive action of glacial runoff or a stream. Typically found in regions with a history of glaciation, coulees can vary in size and may feature steep sides and a wide, flat bottom. They are prominent in areas of the American West and parts of Canada, often serving as natural drainage channels. Due to their unique formations, coulees can be landscapes rich in biodiversity and serve important ecological functions.

Synonyms

gully, ravine, valley

Examples of usage

  • The coulee carved by the ancient glaciers is breathtaking.
  • We hiked down into the coulee to explore its hidden beauty.
  • Many bird species inhabit the lush vegetation found in the coulee.
  • The river flows gently at the bottom of the coulee.

Translations

Translations of the word "coulee" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น valas

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ‚เคฒเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Coulee

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ aliran sungai

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบัƒะปั–

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wฤ…wรณz

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฏใƒผใƒชใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท coulee

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ coulee

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kule

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฟจ๋ฆฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒูˆู„ูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ coulee

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ coulee

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅบ“ๅˆฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ coulee

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ coulee

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบัƒะปะธ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒฃแƒšแƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kuley

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ coulee

Etymology

The word 'coulee' comes from the French term 'couler', meaning 'to flow'. It was adopted into English in the 19th century, initially used to describe the valleys formed by rivers and streams in North America, particularly in areas influenced by glacial activity. The geographical term reflects the landscape's formation process, where the flowing water carved out the valleys over time. Over the years, 'coulee' has become associated specifically with certain types of landforms found in the western United States and Canada, emphasizing its regional importance and vivid imagery in the context of natural geography.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,312, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.