Definition

Proper noun: - A major South American river: The Amazon River is a vast river system in South America. It originates in the Andes mountains and flows eastward across the continent to empty into the South Atlantic Ocean. It is the world's second longest river, approximately 4,000 miles (6,400 km) in length, and is distinguished by having the largest drainage basin and greatest water flow of any river.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Amazon River flows through the heart of the rainforest.
  • Explorers have been fascinated by the Amazon River for centuries.
  • The biodiversity found in the Amazon River basin is unparalleled.

Advanced Usage

• "The Amazon": Often used as a shortened, colloquial reference to the Amazon River or the surrounding rainforest region.
  • They embarked on an expedition deep into the Amazon.

Variants and Related Words

• Amazon Basin (noun): The vast drainage basin, or watershed, that collects water flowing into the Amazon River.
  • Deforestation in the Amazon Basin is a major environmental concern.
• Amazonian (adjective): Relating to the Amazon River or the Amazon region.
  • The Amazonian ecosystem is incredibly complex.

Synonyms

• The Amazon: (The most common direct synonym when referring to the river itself.)

Related Phrases

• Mouth of the Amazon: The point where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean.
  • The mouth of the Amazon is so wide it is sometimes called a "river sea."
• Amazon rainforest / Amazonia: The immense tropical rainforest that surrounds the river basin.
  • The health of the Amazon rainforest is closely tied to the Amazon River.

Noun

1. a major South American river; arises in the Andes and flows eastward into the South Atlantic; the world's 2nd longest river (4000 miles)