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Word Central

river

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

river

Main Entry:: riv·er
Pronunciation:: \ˈri-vər\
Function:: noun
Usage:: often attributive
Etymology:: Middle English rivere, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *riparia, from Latin, feminine of riparius riparian, from ripa bank, shore; perhaps akin to Greek ereipein to tear down
Date:: 14th century

1 a: a natural stream of water of usually considerable volume b: watercourse2 a: something resembling a river <a river of lava> bplural : large or overwhelming quantities <drank rivers of coffee>

— up the river

: to or in prison <was sent up the river>

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