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Rapids: meaning, definitions and examples

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rapids

 

[ ˈræpɪdz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

fast water

Rapids refer to fast-flowing sections of a river or stream with turbulent water caused by a steep descent in the riverbed. Rapids are characterized by white water and can range from Class I (easy and smooth) to Class VI (extremely dangerous and nearly impossible to navigate).

Synonyms

white water, whitewater

Examples of usage

  • The rafting guide warned us about the rapids up ahead.
  • After heavy rainfall, the rapids became even more challenging to navigate.
Context #2 | Noun

geography

Rapids can also refer to a series of rocks or obstacles in a river or stream that cause the water to flow quickly and with turbulence. These rapids can create natural barriers to navigation for boats and canoes.

Synonyms

obstacles, rocks

Examples of usage

  • The explorers had to carefully navigate the rapids to continue their journey down the river.
  • Avoid the rapids near that bend in the river, they can be treacherous.

Translations

Translations of the word "rapids" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rápidos

🇮🇳 तेज़ी से बहने वाली धारा

🇩🇪 Stromschnellen

🇮🇩 jeram

🇺🇦 пороги

🇵🇱 bystrza

🇯🇵 急流 (きゅうりゅう)

🇫🇷 rapides

🇪🇸 rápidos

🇹🇷 hızlı akıntılar

🇰🇷 급류 (geumnyu)

🇸🇦 المنحدرات

🇨🇿 peřeje

🇸🇰 pereje

🇨🇳 急流 (jílíu)

🇸🇮 brzice

🇮🇸 straumar

🇰🇿 тез ағымдар

🇬🇪 ჩქარი დინებები

🇦🇿 çaylar

🇲🇽 rápidos

Word origin

The word 'rapids' originated in the early 18th century from the obsolete verb 'rapid', which meant 'to seize' or 'to carry off'. It was first used in the context of fast-flowing water in the late 18th century, describing sections of rivers with swift currents. Rapids have been a natural feature of rivers for centuries, posing challenges and opportunities for travelers and adventurers alike.

See also: rapidity, rapidly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,175, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.