ENGLISH
REFERENCE

delta

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈdɛɫtə// UK //dˈɛltɐ// delta Informal

n. a triangle-shaped area of land where a river splits into several smaller parts before entering the sea. It is usually very flat and has rich soil for farming.

n. a landform at the mouth of a river where it flows into an ocean, sea, or lake, formed by the deposition of sediment. Often used to refer to the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet or a change in a variable in mathematical contexts.


SIMPLE

The Nile Delta is famous for its rich green fields.

CONTEXTUAL

Farmers in the river delta rely on the annual floods to bring fresh nutrients to their crops.

COMPLEX

The environmental impact of the dam was felt most acutely at the river delta, where the reduction in sediment flow led to significant coastal erosion and loss of habitat.

Usage

Often used as a proper noun when referring to specific geographic regions like the Mekong Delta or the Mississippi Delta.

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