Oxbow: meaning, definitions and examples

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oxbow

 

[ หˆษ’ksboสŠ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

geographical feature

An oxbow is a U-shaped body of water that forms when a river meanders and changes course, creating a curved lake-like structure. This geographic feature can result from the erosion of riverbanks and sediment deposition. Over time, an oxbow can become isolated from the main river channel as sediment fills in the connecting arms. Oxbows are significant for local ecosystems, often supporting diverse wildlife.

Synonyms

curve, meander, oxbow lake.

Examples of usage

  • We spotted an oxbow lake during our hike along the river.
  • The oxbow was teeming with fish and birds.
  • Scientists study oxbows to understand river dynamics.

Translations

Translations of the word "oxbow" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น meandro

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคพเคเคง

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Altwasser

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ meander

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะผั–ะนะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ meander

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่›‡่กŒ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mรฉandre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ meandro

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kฤฑvrฤฑm

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ตฌ๋ถˆ๊ตฌ๋ถˆํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุนุฑุฌ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ meandr

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ meander

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅผฏๆ›ฒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ meander

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ meander

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะธั–ะปะณะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ แƒฃแƒ“แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dรถnmษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ meandro

Etymology

The term 'oxbow' comes from the shape traditionally associated with the harnessing of an ox. It reflects a curved, U-shaped form resembling the yoke used to harness oxen for plowing or pulling loads. The usage of 'oxbow' to describe a river's meandering shape became more prominent in the 19th century, as geological and geographical studies began to explore river formations more deeply. As rivers meander, they erode banks and deposit sediments, leading to the formation of these distinctive U-shaped bodies of water. The significance of oxbows in ecology and geography continues to be a subject of study, highlighting their role in shaping landscapes and ecosystems.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,558, 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.