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Estuary

Tidal mouth of a large river where it meets an ocean or sea.

estuaries

An estuary is the tidal mouth of a large river where it meets an ocean or sea. It’s characterized by brackish water – a mix of freshwater and saltwater – and often features unique ecosystems supporting diverse plant and animal life.

Etymology

Estuary comes from the Latin word 'ostium,' meaning 'mouth' or 'opening.'

Explain Like I’m 5

An estuary is like where a river and the ocean mix, creating special places for plants and animals.

Fun Facts

Estuaries are often called 'nurseries of the sea' because many fish and shellfish spend their early lives there
Some estuaries are formed by glaciers carving out valleys
The largest estuary in the world is the Bay of Fundy

FAQ

What is an estuary? It's where a river meets the sea or ocean
Why are estuaries important? They provide habitats for many species and filter pollutants
How are they formed? Estuaries form when freshwater from a river flows into saltwater

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

coastal feature river mouth

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

delta lagoon bay

Meronyms — Parts or Components

tidal flats salt marshes

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

coastal zone

Indexes

biome ecological zone natural object

Related

Built by Tim Jones