Delta Meaning and Definition
Delta
Pronunciation
/ˈdɛltə/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A river delta is a landform that forms at the mouth of a river where it flows into a larger body of water, such as an ocean or a lake. It is typically formed by deposits of sediment carried by the river, which accumulate over time, creating a distinctive triangular shape.
Examples
- The Mississippi River Delta is one of the largest and most fertile river deltas in the world.
- The Nile River Delta is home to a rich ecosystem and a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Synonyms
- Estuary
- Distributary
Antonyms
- Source
- Headwaters
Etymology
The word “delta” originates from the Greek letter δ (delta), which was used to represent the fourth vowel sound in the Greek alphabet. In ancient Greek, the term δέλτα (delta) referred to the triangular shape formed by the branches of the river Nile.
Usage Notes
In geography, the term “delta” is typically used to describe the landform formed by a river, rather than the river itself. In engineering and environmental contexts, the term may refer to the artificial creation of a delta-like landform, such as a dredged channel or a sediment disposal site.
Cultural References
- The Delta (2013) – a novel by Daniel Mason about the Mississippi River Delta.
- The Nile River Delta in ancient Egyptian mythology is often depicted as a symbol of fertility and abundance.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “At the mouth of the delta” – meaning the starting point or origin of something.
- “Delta blues” – a subgenre of blues music originating from the Mississippi Delta region.
Related Words or Phrases
- Deltaic
- Deltaic plain
- Sediment
Collocations
- River delta landscape
- Delta region ecosystem
- Mouth of the delta formation
Frequency of Use
The word “delta” is commonly used in geographical and scientific contexts, but it is not a frequently used word in everyday language.
Common Misspellings
- Deleta
- Deltha