Barranca is a Spanish word that has been adopted into English and is commonly used in the southwestern United States. It is a term that is often used to describe a steep-sided ravine or canyon that has been formed by erosion.
Definitions
The word barranca is defined as a steep-sided ravine or canyon that has been formed by erosion. This type of geological formation is typically found in arid or semi-arid regions and is characterized by steep walls and a narrow floor.
Origin
The word barranca comes from the Spanish language and is derived from the Latin word “barra,” which means “barrier.” The word was first used in English in the early 19th century and has since become a common term in the southwestern United States.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, barranca is defined as “a deep, narrow valley with steep sides, often with a stream or river running through it.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a steep-sided gully or ravine that is larger than a gully and smaller than a canyon.” The American Heritage Dictionary defines it as “a steep-sided ravine or gully.”
Associations
Barrancas are often associated with arid or semi-arid regions, such as the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They are also associated with erosion and the natural forces that shape the landscape.
Synonyms
Synonyms for barranca include canyon, gorge, ravine, chasm, and gulch.
Antonyms
Antonyms for barranca include plateau, plain, and prairie.
The same root words
The word barranca shares the same root word as the English word “barrier.” Both words are derived from the Latin word “barra.”
Example Sentences
- The hikers followed the barranca as it wound its way through the desert landscape.
- The river had carved a deep barranca into the rocky terrain.
- The road twisted and turned through the barranca, making it difficult to navigate.
- The view from the top of the barranca was breathtaking.
- The barranca was home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes and rattlesnakes.