amazon
n. countablen. a very large and famous river in South America, or a huge tropical rainforest in the same area. It is known for having more water and more types of plants and animals than almost anywhere else.
n. the world's largest river by volume, located in South America, or the vast tropical rainforest within its drainage basin. When used to refer to the geographical region, it is typically preceded by the definite article.
Many unique animals live in the Amazon rainforest.
Scientists are studying how deforestation in the Amazon affects global weather patterns and biodiversity.
The Amazon basin serves as a critical carbon sink for the planet, though its ability to sequester carbon is increasingly threatened by agricultural expansion and rising temperatures.
From Middle English, from Latin, from Ancient Greek Ἀμαζών (Amazṓn); perhaps Ionian Greek pronunciation of Old Persian *hamazan- (“warrior”), as the Amazon women were known warriors. A popular folk etymology, of Ancient Greek provenance, claims that the word derives from ἀ- (a-, “not”) + μαζός (mazós, “breast”), referencing the belief that Amazons cut off their right breast so that it would not hinder their ability to fire a bow or throw a spear.
From Spanish, Río Amazonas. It is common belief that the Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana fought a battle against a tribe of Tapuya natives, in which the women fought alongside the men, and that he derived the name from the Amazons in Greek mythology.
Chosen by Jeff Bezos in 1994 as a word beginning with 'A' which had existing connotations (see meanings listed in etymologies 1 & 2) of being exotic, different, and (as the Amazon River) the largest of its kind in the world.
Typically used with the definite article ('the Amazon') when referring to the river or the region.