Definition

Proper noun * William Clark: A United States explorer and soldier. He is most famous for co-leading, with Meriwether Lewis, the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806). This journey was the first American overland expedition to the Pacific coast and back. Clark's primary responsibilities included mapmaking and documenting the geography, flora, and fauna of the newly acquired Louisiana Territory.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • President Thomas Jefferson appointed William Clark as co-commander of the Corps of Discovery.
  • The detailed journals kept by William Clark provide invaluable insights into the American West before widespread settlement.
  • Many geographic features were named by William Clark during the expedition.

Advanced Usage

• "Clark of Lewis and Clark": This phrase is commonly used to specify which William Clark is being discussed, directly linking him to the historic expedition.
  • The speaker discussed the contributions of William Clark of Lewis and Clark.

Variants and Related Words

• Lewis and Clark Expedition (noun phrase): The name of the historic journey co-led by William Clark and Meriwether Lewis.
  • The Lewis and Clark Expedition is a landmark event in American history.
• Clark's nutcracker (noun): A bird species () named in honor of William Clark, who first described it scientifically.
  • We spotted a Clark's nutcracker in the pine forest.

Synonyms

• Explorer: A person who explores an unfamiliar area.
• Cartographer: A person who draws or produces maps.
• Co-commander of the Corps of Discovery: A formal title for his role in the expedition.

Related Phrases

• To map the territory: A phrase describing Clark's key duty during the expedition.
  • A major goal was to map the territory of the Louisiana Purchase.

Noun

1. United States explorer who (with Meriwether Lewis) led an expedition from St. Louis to the mouth of the Columbia River; Clark was responsible for making maps of the area (1770-1838)