Tarim

American  

[tah-reem] / ˈtɑˈrim /

noun

1. a river in northwestern China, in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. About 1,300 miles (2,090 km) long.

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Tarim British  

/ ˈtɑːˈriːm /

noun

1. a river in NW China, in Xinjiang: flows east along the N edge of the Taklimakan Shama desert, dividing repeatedly and forming lakes among the dunes, finally disappearing in the Lop Nor depression; the chief river of Xinjiang; drains the great Tarim Basin between the Tian Shan and Kunlun mountain systems of central Asia, an area of about 906 500 sq km (350 000 sq miles). Length: 2190 km (1360 miles)

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Etymology

Origin of Tarim

First recorded in 1840–45; from Chinese Tǎlǐmù Hé, Uyghur Tarim deryasi

Example Sentences

When modern DNA research revealed the preserved bodies were people indigenous to the Tarim Basin—yet genetically distinct from other nearby populations—the Tarim Basin mummies became even more enigmatic.

From National Geographic • Sep. 15, 2023

The Tarim Basin mummies have been a mystery ever since European explorers discovered them in northwestern China in the early 20th century.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 27, 2021

The railway loop also enables exploitation of the Tarim Basin oilfield, estimated to cover 350,000 square miles under the Taklamakan’s huge dunes and shifting sands.

From Washington Times • Oct. 17, 2021

During the 1990s, Exxon, Chevron, Texaco and Phillips all but abandoned exploration projects in the oil and gas-rich Tarim Basin after China steered the best opportunities to its state-owned companies.

From Scientific American • Oct. 14, 2011

In the Tarim Basin, the sand could cook bread faster than a tandoor oven.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri