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Debouch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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debouch

[dษชหˆboสŠtสƒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

movement direction

To debouch means to emerge from a confined space or channel into an open area. It is often used in the context of a river or stream flowing out of a narrow valley or gorge. The term can also refer to troops or troops advancing from a narrow passage into a wider region. Debouching can signify a transition from a restricted environment to one that is more expansive and visible.

Synonyms

break out, emerge, exite.

Examples of usage

  • The river debouched into the vast lake.
  • The soldiers debouched from the narrow gorge into the plains.
  • The hikers debouched from the forest to reveal a stunning vista.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • Debouching often describes the process of rivers emerging from narrow valleys into wider plains, drastically changing the landscape.
  • Many cities have developed around the points where rivers debouch, facilitating trade and transport.

Marine Biology

  • Estuaries, where rivers debouch into oceans, are rich ecosystems that support diverse wildlife and plant species.
  • These areas are crucial for the life cycles of many fish, including those important for commercial fishing industries.

Literature

  • In literature, rivers are often used as metaphors for journeys or transitions, with debouching symbolizing new beginnings or revelations.
  • Poets frequently depict scenes of rivers debouching to illustrate the beauty of natureโ€™s flow and the passage of time.

Urban Planning

  • Urban planners consider the debouching points of rivers for flood management and infrastructure development.
  • Many historical ports were established at the debouch points of major rivers, making them crucial for trade routes.

Origin of 'debouch'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French 'dรฉbourcher', which means 'to open out' or 'to flow out'.
  • Its roots can be traced to 'bouche', meaning 'mouth', referring to the mouth of a river where it meets the sea.

The word 'debouch' originates from the French 'dรฉbourcher', which means 'to come out of a snout or to pour out.' This French term combines 'dรฉ-', a prefix that means 'down from' or 'away from,' with 'bourcher,' meaning 'to pierce or to break through.' The usage of 'debouch' in the English language can be traced back to the late 18th century, where it was primarily used to describe the action of water flowing from a narrow source into a broader area. Over time, the word has been adapted in military terminology to describe troops emerging from confined spaces.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,987, 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.