waterfall
/'wɔ:təfɔ:l/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A steep descent of the water of a river: A waterfall is a place where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops in the course of a stream or river.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The waterfall cascaded down the rocky cliff into a clear pool below.
- We hiked for hours to reach the famous waterfall in the national park.
- The sound of the waterfall was loud and soothing.
Advanced Usage
- "Waterfall of something" (metaphorical): Used to describe something that flows or falls in a copious, continuous stream, resembling a waterfall.
- A waterfall of golden hair fell down her back.
- The report triggered a waterfall of criticism from the public.
Variants and Related Words
- Waterfall model (n): A sequential design process used in software development and other project management, where progress flows steadily downwards through phases like a waterfall.
- The team used the waterfall model for the new software project.
- Waterfalling (n, informal): The act of visiting or exploring multiple waterfalls.
- Our vacation was all about waterfalling in the Pacific Northwest.
Synonyms
- Cascade: A small waterfall, typically one of several that fall in stages down a steep rocky slope.
- Falls: Often used in names (e.g., Niagara Falls).
- Cataract: A large, powerful waterfall.
Related Phrases
- To go over like a waterfall: To happen or proceed very swiftly and decisively. (This is a less common, illustrative phrase rather than a standard idiom).
- Once the decision was made, the changes went over like a waterfall.
Related Idioms
- At the bottom of the waterfall: In a position to receive the full, often overwhelming, impact of events or consequences. (This is an illustrative conceptual phrase).
- Small suppliers were at the bottom of the waterfall when the large company failed.
Noun
- a steep descent of the water of a river