dune
/dju:n/
Definition
Noun: A dune is a hill or ridge of sand that has been formed by the wind. Dunes are commonly found in deserts, but also occur along some coastlines and near large lakes.
Usage
The word "dune" is a countable noun. It is used to describe a specific natural landform. You can talk about a single dune or multiple dunes in an area. * The most famous dunes are often in deserts, like the Sahara. * Coastal dunes are important for protecting land from ocean storms.
Examples
- The caravan traveled slowly over the massive dune.
- These coastal dunes are home to special plants and animals.
- Children love to run up and down the sandy dune at the beach.
- The wind constantly reshapes the desert dunes.
Advanced Usage
- Dune system/field: A large area covered by many dunes.
- The dune field stretched for miles.
- Dune migration: The movement of dunes over time due to wind.
- Scientists study dune migration to protect roads.
- To climb/scramble up a dune: A common phrase for the activity of ascending a dune.
- We scrambled up the dune to see the sunset.
Variants and Related Words
- Sand dune: This is a more specific and common term, often used interchangeably with "dune."
- Duned: (Adjective) Covered with dunes.
- The duned coastline was beautiful.
- Dune buggy: A small, lightweight vehicle with large tires, designed for driving on sand dunes. (This is a compound noun listed separately as a related term).
Synonyms
- Sandhill: A hill of sand.
- Knoll: A small hill or mound (can be of earth or sand).
- Mound: A raised mass of earth or sand.
Related Phrases/Idioms
- Shifting sands: This idiom, often used metaphorically, refers to an unstable or constantly changing situation. It originates from the nature of sand dunes.
- The political situation was on shifting sands.
Noun
-
a ridge of sand created by the wind; found in deserts or near lakes and oceans
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