Definition

Proper noun: * The Panama Canal: A major artificial waterway, approximately 82 kilometers (51 miles) long, that cuts across the Isthmus of Panama in Central America. It connects the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) and the Pacific Ocean, allowing ships to avoid the long and hazardous route around the southern tip of South America. It was constructed by the United States between 1904 and 1914 and is a critical conduit for international maritime trade.

Usage

The term "Panama Canal" is used as a singular proper noun to refer specifically to this engineering feat and the waterway itself. * It is a vital route for global commerce. * Its operation involves a system of locks to raise and lower ships. * Control of the canal was transferred from the United States to Panama in 1999.

Examples

• The Panama Canal significantly reduces transit time for ships traveling between the east and west coasts of the Americas.
• Engineering the Panama Canal was a monumental achievement that cost thousands of workers' lives.
• A new, wider set of locks was added to the Panama Canal in 2016 to accommodate larger "Neopanamax" vessels.
• Drought conditions can sometimes restrict traffic through the Panama Canal.

Advanced Usage

• "to transit the Panama Canal": This phrase describes the action of a ship passing through the canal from one ocean to the other.
  • Our cruise ship will transit the Panama Canal tomorrow.
• "Panama Canal Zone": This historical term refers to the strip of land surrounding the canal that was administered by the United States from 1903 to 1979.
  • The Panama Canal Zone was returned to Panamanian control in stages.

Variants and Related Words

• Panamanian (adj): Of or relating to Panama or the Panama Canal.
  • The Panamanian government manages the canal's operations.
• Canal (n): An artificial waterway constructed for navigation, irrigation, or other purposes. The Panama Canal is a specific, famous example of a canal.
• Interoceanic canal (n): A canal connecting two oceans. The Panama Canal is an interoceanic canal.

Synonyms

• The Big Ditch (informal, historical nickname)
• The Isthmian Canal (historical term used during its planning and construction)

Related Phrases

• Panama Canal tolls: The fees paid by ships to use the canal.
  • The ship's operator paid the Panama Canal tolls in advance.
• Panama Canal expansion: Refers to the major project completed in 2016 that added a new lane of traffic and larger locks.
  • The Panama Canal expansion allowed much bigger container ships to use the route.

Noun

1. a ship canal 40 miles long across the Isthmus of Panama built by the United States (1904-1914)