panama canal

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Word: Panama Canal

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: The Panama Canal is a man-made waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It is about 40 miles (64 kilometers) long and is located across the Isthmus of Panama, a narrow strip of land that connects North and South America. The canal was built by the United States between 1904 and 1914 to allow ships to travel more easily between the two oceans instead of going all the way around South America.

Usage Instructions:

• When to use: You can use the term "Panama Canal" when discussing geography, shipping, trade routes, or historical events related to its construction and significance.
• How to use: You can refer to the Panama Canal in sentences like:
  • "The Panama Canal greatly reduces the travel time for ships."
  • "Many ships pass through the Panama Canal every day."

Example Sentence:

"The Panama Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world because it allows ships to avoid the long journey around South America."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, you might discuss the economic impact of the Panama Canal on global trade or its engineering significance. For example: - "The construction of the Panama Canal revolutionized maritime trade by significantly shortening shipping routes."

Word Variants:

• Panamanian (adjective): Referring to something from Panama. For example, "The Panamanian government manages the canal."
• Canalization (noun): The process of making a waterway, although this term is not commonly used in relation to the Panama Canal.

Different Meanings:

• Canal (general term): While "Panama Canal" refers specifically to this waterway, the word "canal" can also refer to any artificial waterway used for navigation or irrigation.

Synonyms:

• Waterway: A general term for any body of water used for travel or transportation.
• Channel: A deep pathway in a body of water, but can also refer to a narrower passage.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "Panama Canal," you might encounter phrases like: - "To go through the canal": This can mean to pass through the Panama Canal, but it can also be used metaphorically to mean finding a shortcut in a process.

Summary:

The Panama Canal is a crucial engineering achievement that allows ships to travel between two major oceans more efficiently.

Academic

Noun

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

Synonyms

• panama canal