estuary

[es-choo-er-ee]

noun

plural

estuaries 

1. that part of the mouth or lower course of a river in which the river's current meets the sea's tide.

2. an arm or inlet of the sea at the lower end of a river.

estuary

/ ˌɛstjʊˈɛərɪəl, ˈɛstjʊərɪ /

noun

1. the widening channel of a river where it nears the sea, with a mixing of fresh water and salt (tidal) water

2. an inlet of the sea

estuary

1. The wide lower course of a river where it flows into the sea. Estuaries experience tidal flows and their water is a changing mixture of fresh and salt.

2. An arm of the sea that extends inland to meet the mouth of a river.

estuary

1. A wide body of water formed where a large river meets the sea. It contains both fresh and salt water.

Other Word Forms

• estuarial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of estuary¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin aestuārium “channel, creek, inlet,” from aestu(s) “fire, heat, tide” + -ārium -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of estuary¹

C16: from Latin aestuārium marsh, channel, from aestus tide, billowing movement, related to aestās summer

Example Sentences

They are also found around river mouths, estuaries and manmade structures like piers and groynes.

From BBC

It is a position some say creates a conflict for a politician who represents much of the so-called Humber "energy estuary" with its growing links to the offshore wind industry.

From BBC

The project is strongly opposed, however, by environmental advocates and the Delta’s political leaders, who say building the 45-mile tunnel would harm the region’s farmlands and communities, and threaten the estuary’s ecosystem and fish species.

From Los Angeles Times

Environmental and fishing groups, as well as leaders in Delta communities, have argued that the voluntary approach would harm the estuary’s deteriorating ecosystem and fish species that have suffered dramatic declines.

From Los Angeles Times

Thousands of water tests to identify potential harmful pollution in rivers, lakes and estuaries in England have been cancelled in the last three months due to staff shortages, the BBC has learned.

From BBC

Related Words

• inlet 
• waterway