Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A fortified wine: A type of amber-colored dessert wine, often fortified with brandy, that originates from the Madeira Islands. It is known for its unique aging process involving heat.
   • An archipelago and island: A group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, an autonomous region of Portugal, located off the northwest coast of Africa. The largest island in this archipelago is also named Madeira.
   • A river: A significant river in Brazil, which is a major tributary of the Amazon River.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Wine):

  • We finished the meal with a glass of rich Madeira.
  • Madeira is often used in cooking, especially for sauces.

• Proper noun (Island/Archipelago):

  • They went on holiday to Madeira for its beautiful landscapes.
  • Funchal is the capital city of Madeira.

• Proper noun (River):

  • The Madeira River is one of the Amazon's largest tributaries.
  • Navigation on the Madeira can be challenging during the dry season.

Advanced Usage

• "Malmsey Madeira": Refers to a specific, sweeter style of Madeira wine made from the Malvasia grape.

  • He prefers the rich sweetness of a Malmsey Madeira.

• "Madeira cake": A traditional, firm-textured sponge cake that originally accompanied a glass of Madeira wine.

  • She served tea and slices of Madeira cake.

Variants and Related Words

• Madeiran (adj): Relating to the Madeira Islands.
  • The Madeiran flora is exceptionally diverse.

Synonyms

• Fortified wine (for the beverage): Port, Sherry, Marsala.
• Island (for the geographical feature): Isle, islet.
• Tributary (for the river): Confluent, feeder river.

Related Phrases

• "To be in the Madeira": An informal phrase sometimes used to indicate being in a pleasantly warm or heated situation, alluding to the wine's heat-aging process.
  • After sitting in the sun, I feel like I'm in the Madeira.

Related Idioms

• "As enduring as Madeira": Referring to the wine's famous longevity and resilience, meaning something is very long-lasting.
  • Their friendship is as enduring as Madeira.

Noun

1. an amber dessert wine from the Madeira Islands
2. an island in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa; the largest of the Madeira Islands
3. a Brazilian river; tributary of the Amazon River