Definition

Proper noun: - A major river in the northwestern United States: The Snake River is a significant tributary of the Columbia River. It originates in the state of Wyoming and flows generally westward through several states before joining the Columbia River. It was documented by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 19th century.

Usage

The term "Snake River" is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this geographic feature. - The Snake River carved the dramatic canyon seen at this overlook. - Agriculture in the region relies heavily on irrigation from the Snake River. - The Lewis and Clark Expedition followed the Snake River on part of their journey.

Advanced Usage

• "The Snake River Plain": Refers to the broad geologic plain through which much of the river flows in southern Idaho.
  • The volcanic history of the Snake River Plain is a major area of study for geologists.

Variants and Related Words

• Snake (noun): While the river's name is derived from a local Native American tribe whose hand sign was misinterpreted by explorers as representing a snake, the word "snake" itself is a separate common noun for a reptile.
• River (noun): A large natural stream of water flowing in a channel.

Synonyms

• Watercourse: A general term for a river, stream, or other flowing body of water.
• Tributary: A river or stream flowing into a larger river or lake. (The Snake River is a tributary of the Columbia River.)

Related Phrases

• "To follow the Snake River": To travel along the course of this river.
  • The historic Oregon Trail roughly followed the Snake River for a portion of the route.

Noun

1. a tributary of the Columbia River that rises in Wyoming and flows westward; discovered in 1805 by the Lewis and Clark Expedition