Definition

Proper noun 1. A historical river and battle site: The Metaurus River is the location of a decisive battle fought in 207 BC during the Second Punic War, where the Roman army defeated the Carthaginian forces led by Hasdrubal Barca.

Usage

The term "Metaurus River" is used almost exclusively in historical and academic contexts to refer to the geographical location of this specific ancient battle. * The Battle of the Metaurus River was a turning point in the Second Punic War. * Hasdrubal was killed at the Metaurus River, preventing his union with Hannibal's army.

Advanced Usage

• "the Metaurus": In historical writing, the river is sometimes referred to simply as "the Metaurus," with "River" being implied by context.
  • The defeat at the Metaurus shattered Carthaginian strategy in Italy.

Word Forms and Related Terms

• Metaurus (Proper noun): The shortened form used as an attributive noun.
  • The Metaurus campaign; the Metaurus defeat.

Synonyms

• Battle of the Metaurus (Noun phrase): The full name of the historical event.
• Metaurus (Proper noun): The common shortened reference in historical discourse.

Related Concepts

• Second Punic War: The broader conflict in which the Battle of the Metaurus River occurred.
• Hasdrubal Barca: The Carthaginian commander defeated and killed at this battle.
• Hannibal: The famous Carthaginian general whose strategic hopes were ended by the outcome at the Metaurus River.

Noun

1. a battle during the second Punic War (207 BC); Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal was defeated by the Romans which ended Hannibal's hopes for success in Italy