drainage basin

American  

noun

1. the area drained by a river and all its tributaries.

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drainage basin British  

noun

1. another name for catchment area

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drainage basin Scientific  

/ drā′nĭj /

1. An area drained by a river system. A drainage basin includes all areas that gather precipitation water and direct it to a particular stream, stream system, lake, or other body of standing water.

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Etymology

Origin of drainage basin

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

drainage basin

While many hazards have been fixed, there are still cracked or overgrown pathways, a flooded drainage basin, and metal pipes or electrical wires protruding into the recently completed children’s play area.

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2024

The vegetation in its drainage basin affects its carbon cycle, as does land use.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2023

The map’s creator, Karl Musser, confirmed to the AP in an email that it showed the Ohio River drainage basin, not areas that get their drinking water from the river.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 17, 2023

A man, identified by the coroner as Anthony Ray Lopez Sr., 63, of Ontario, was found in the drainage basin and pronounced dead at the scene about 12:04 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 14, 2022

Its drainage basin, including in this its own area, is estimated to be about five hundred square miles.

From The Lake of the Sky Lake Tahoe in the High Sierras of California and Nevada, its History, Indians, Discovery by Frémont, Legendary Lore, Various Namings, Physical Characteristics, Glacial Phenomena, Geology, Single Outlet, Automobile Routes, Historic Towns, Early Mining Excitements, Steamer Ride, Mineral Springs, Mountain and Lake Resorts, Trail and Camping Out Trips, Summer Residences, Fishing, Hunting, Flowers, Birds, Animals, Trees, and Chaparral, with a Full Account of the Tahoe National Forest, the Public Use of the Water of Lake Tahoe and Much Other Interesting Matter by James, George Wharton