Definition

Proper noun: * American Falls: A major segment of the Niagara Falls waterfall system, located on the United States side of the border between the U.S. state of New York and the Canadian province of Ontario. It is situated north of the city of Buffalo, New York.

Usage Notes

• "American Falls" is a proper noun and is always capitalized. It refers specifically to a geographical feature.
• It is one of the three waterfalls that collectively form Niagara Falls, alongside the Horseshoe Falls (also called Canadian Falls) and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls.
• The term is used to distinguish this section of the falls from the sections located in Canada.

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The American Falls is separated from the Horseshoe Falls by Goat Island.
  • We viewed the American Falls from Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park.
  • A significant portion of the water from the Niagara River is diverted for hydroelectric power before it reaches the American Falls.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in historical or geological contexts to discuss changes to the waterfall's face or rock formations at its base (the talus).
  • In 1969, the flow over the American Falls was stopped completely for several months for geological study.

Variants and Related Words

• Niagara Falls: The collective name for the entire waterfall system, which includes the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
• Horseshoe Falls (or Canadian Falls): The larger, curved waterfall located primarily on the Canadian side of the border.
• Bridal Veil Falls: The smallest of the three waterfalls, located next to the American Falls and separated by Luna Island.

Synonyms

• There are no direct synonyms for this proper noun as it is the specific name of a single landmark. Descriptive phrases like "the U.S. side of Niagara Falls" can refer to the same location.

Noun

1. a part of Niagara Falls in western New York (north of Buffalo)