Definition

Proper noun: * A mountainous peninsula in northwestern Mexico: Lower California is the geographical name for the long, narrow peninsula extending south from the border of the U.S. state of California. It is separated from mainland Mexico by the Gulf of California (also called the Sea of Cortez).

Usage

• Lower California is used as a singular proper noun to refer to the entire peninsula. It is often used in historical or formal geographical contexts.
  • The expedition sailed along the coast of Lower California.
  • The geology of Lower California is complex and varied.

Advanced Usage

• The term Lower California is the traditional English name for the peninsula. In modern usage, it is almost universally referred to as Baja California, which is the Spanish name. The distinction between the northern state (Baja California) and the southern state (Baja California Sur) is typically made using the Spanish names.

Variants and Related Words

• Baja California (proper noun): The contemporary and more common name for both the peninsula and the Mexican states located on it.
  • We are driving the length of Baja California.
• Baja (proper noun, informal): A common shortened form used colloquially to refer to the peninsula.
  • They go surfing in Baja every winter.

Synonyms

• Baja California Peninsula: A more precise geographical synonym.
• The Baja Peninsula: A common descriptive synonym.

Notes on Meaning

• Historically, Lower California referred to the entire peninsula. Today, it is politically divided into two Mexican states: Baja California (the northern state) and Baja California Sur (the southern state). The term "Lower California" can sometimes be ambiguous as to whether it refers to the entire peninsula or just the northern state, which is why the Spanish names are now preferred for clarity.

Noun

1. a mountainous peninsula on northwest Mexico