Arroyo is a Spanish word that has found its way into the English language. It is a term that is used to describe a dry creek bed or a small, steep-sided gully that is typically found in arid or semi-arid regions.
Definitions
Arroyo can be defined as a small, narrow channel that is typically dry except during periods of heavy rain. It is a term that is often used to describe the dry stream beds that are found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Origin
The word arroyo has its roots in the Spanish language. It comes from the Spanish word “arroyar,” which means “to wash away.” The term was first used in the southwestern United States in the late 1800s and has since become a common term in the region.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, arroyo is defined as “a watercourse in an arid region that is usually dry except after heavy rains.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines arroyo as “a steep-sided gully or channel, typically one formed by the action of fast-flowing water.”
Associations
Arroyos are often associated with the southwestern United States and Mexico, where they are a common feature of the landscape. They are also associated with arid or semi-arid regions, where water is scarce and flash floods can occur.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for arroyo include gully, ravine, canyon, and wash.
Antonyms
Antonyms for arroyo include river, stream, and creek.
The same root words
Arroyo has the same root word as the Spanish word “arroyar,” which means “to wash away.”
Example Sentences
- The hikers followed the arroyo through the desert landscape.
- The flash flood caused the arroyo to fill with water.
- The arroyo was dry most of the year, but during monsoon season it became a raging river.
- The arroyo provided a natural pathway for wildlife to move through the area.
- The arroyo was a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts.