Definition

1. Noun:
   • A steep descent of the water of a river: This refers to a cascade or waterfall, where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep rocks.
   • The petals or sepals of a flower that bend downward (especially the outer perianth of an iris): In botany, this is a specialized term for the drooping or descending parts of certain flowers.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Water Feature):
  • We hiked to see the beautiful falls in the national park.
  • The powerful falls created a constant mist in the air.
• Noun (Botany):
  • The iris has three upright standards and three drooping falls.
  • The color pattern on the falls of this flower is particularly striking.

Advanced Usage

• Often used in proper names: The word is frequently part of the name for specific waterfalls.
  • Niagara Falls is a famous tourist destination.
  • They visited Victoria Falls in Africa.

Variants and Related Words

• Waterfall (n): A more common synonym for in the context of flowing water.
• Cascade (n): A small waterfall or a series of small waterfalls.
• Standard (n): In botany (specifically for irises), this refers to the three upright inner perianth segments, which contrast with the three .

Synonyms

• Waterfall
• Cataract (a large, powerful waterfall)
• Cascade

Notes on Usage

• The word 'falls' is typically used in its plural form for both primary definitions, even when referring to a single waterfall (e.g., Niagara Falls).
• In everyday language, the most common meaning is the geographical feature (waterfall). The botanical meaning is specialized and used primarily in gardening or scientific contexts.

Noun

1. a steep descent of the water of a river
2. the petals or sepals of a flower that bend downward (especially the outer perianth of an iris)