estuary

Definition

A coastal water body where ocean tides and river water merge, resulting in a brackish water zone.

Etymology

From Latin aestuarium (“creek”, “estuary of a river”).

Example Sentences

• "The railway then follows the widening estuary of the river, which at high tide has the appearance of a lake, but at low water presents a rather cheerless expanse of dark mud."
• "There's something special about tidal estuaries, due to the abundance of wildlife and the ever-changing scenes as the water ebbs or rises. Throw in some moody skies and filtered sunlight, and the views can resemble a painting by Turner - only you don't have to go to the National Gallery to see this, it's brought to your seat on a train."