Debouched Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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debouched

[dษชหˆbษ”สŠtสƒt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

movement or exit

The term 'debouched' refers to the action of emerging or flowing out from an enclosed space, most commonly used in a geographical or metaphorical context. It is derived from military terminology, indicating the act of troops coming out from a narrow passage or a concealed position to engage more freely in an open area. This word signifies a transition from confinement to openness, allowing for more options and strategies. It is often used in relation to rivers or roadways that flow into a larger body or open area.

Synonyms

came out, emerge, exited, flow out.

Examples of usage

  • The river debouched into the wide valley.
  • Troops debouched from the forest into the open field.
  • The pathway debouched at the main square.
  • The stream debouched into the lake.
  • After hours of hiking, we debouched onto the cliff's edge.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Geography

  • In geography, the term describes rivers flowing from a narrow valley into a wider body of water.
  • Itโ€™s often used to indicate the point where a river exits into a lake or ocean, enriching the ecosystem.

Military

  • Historically, military tactics described the movement of troops 'debouching' from narrow passes into open fields.
  • This term can signal a strategic advantage or potential risk when forces emerge into wider areas.

Literature

  • Writers often describe scenes of nature where streams debouch into vast plains, providing vivid imagery of expansion.
  • The transition from confinement to openness can symbolize liberation in various literary contexts.

Botany

  • In botany, it refers to the way roots or plants might emerge from a constrained space into a broader environment.
  • This can relate to how flora thrive when they debouch into sunlight and nourishment.

Origin of 'debouched'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French word 'dรฉboucher', meaning to come out or to uncap.
  • It combines the prefix 'de-' (meaning 'from' or 'down') with 'bouche', which means 'mouth' in French.

The word 'debouch' originates from the French term 'dรฉboucher', which means to 'unbottle' or 'unstop'. It combines the prefix 'dรฉ-' indicating removal or separation, and 'boucher', which means stopper or cork. The term made its way into English usage in the early 19th century, primarily in military contexts, illustrating the transition of troops from a confined area into open terrain. Over time, its usage expanded to include various situations involving movement or transition, especially in natural settings like rivers or pathways, where the term aptly describes the act of flowing or emerging into a larger expanse.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,080, 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.