Riverbed: meaning, definitions and examples
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riverbed
[ ˈrɪvərbɛd ]
geographical feature
A riverbed is the bottom of a river, where the water flows. It is shaped by the erosive effects of flowing water and can vary significantly in size and structure. Depending on the location, a riverbed may be wide and shallow or narrow and deep. During dry seasons, parts of a riverbed may be exposed and visible, revealing sediment and rocks that were previously submerged. The nature of a riverbed can influence the types of vegetation and wildlife found in and around the river.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The riverbed was dry after weeks of no rain.
- Fish often spawn in the gravel of the riverbed.
- Hikers walked along the rocky riverbed.
Translations
Translations of the word "riverbed" in other languages:
🇵🇹 leito do rio
🇮🇳 नदी का किनारा
🇩🇪 Flussbett
🇮🇩 dasar sungai
🇺🇦 русло річки
🇵🇱 koryto rzeki
🇯🇵 河床
🇫🇷 lit de rivière
🇪🇸 cauce del río
🇹🇷 nehir yatağı
🇰🇷 강바닥
🇸🇦 مجرى النهر
🇨🇿 koryto řeky
🇸🇰 koryto rieky
🇨🇳 河床
🇸🇮 rečno dno
🇮🇸 árfar
🇰🇿 өзен арнасы
🇬🇪 მდინარე კალაპოტი
🇦🇿 çay yatağı
🇲🇽 cauce del río
Etymology
The term 'riverbed' combines 'river,' which originates from the Old English word 'rīfre,' meaning a flowing body of water, and 'bed,' which can be traced back to the Old English 'bedd,' meaning a sleeping place or a bottom surface. The word ‘river’ has been used in the English language since the 13th century, reflecting the human connection with waterways for transportation, trade, and sustenance. The concept of a 'bed' in this sense evokes the idea of a foundational layer or area where something resides or occurs. The usage of 'riverbed' to denote the channel where a river flows emphasizes the physical characteristics of the landscape shaped by the consistent movement of water, aligning with natural geographical processes. Understanding riverbeds is essential for fields such as ecology, geology, and hydrology, as they play vital roles in river systems and surrounding ecosystems.