Definition

Proper noun 1. A mountain range in the northwestern United States: A major mountain range extending from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to northern California. It is a part of the larger Pacific Coast Ranges and is known for its volcanic peaks. * The Cascade Range is famous for its many volcanoes, like Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.

Usage

• The word "Cascades" is a proper noun and is always capitalized. It refers specifically to this geographic feature.
• It is often used with the definite article "the" (e.g., ).
• It can be used to describe the region, the mountains themselves, or things originating from that area.

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • We went hiking in the Cascades last summer.
  • The volcanic activity in the Cascades is monitored closely by geologists.
  • This wine comes from a vineyard on the eastern slopes of the Cascades.

Advanced Usage

• The Cascade Range / The Cascade Mountains: These are formal, full names for the same mountain system. "The Cascades" is the common shortened form.
  • The Cascade Range forms a significant barrier to weather systems moving inland.

Variants and Related Words

• Cascade (verb): To fall or flow in a cascade (like a waterfall). This is the common verb from which the mountain range gets its name, due to the many waterfalls in the region.
  • Water cascaded down the rocky cliff.
• Cascade (noun): A small waterfall, especially one in a series.
  • We followed the trail past several beautiful cascades.
• Cascadian (adjective): Relating to the Cascade Range or the biogeographic region surrounding it.
  • Cascadian flora is adapted to volcanic soil.

Synonyms

• The Cascade Range
• The Cascade Mountains

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning of "Cascades" as a proper noun is the specific mountain range. It should not be confused with the common noun "cascades," which is the plural of "cascade" (waterfalls).
• There is no direct idiomatic or phrasal verb use for the proper noun "Cascades."

Noun

1. a mountain range in the northwestern United States extending through Washington and Oregon and northern California; a part of the Coast Range