estuary
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈɛstʃuˌɛɹi// UK //ˈɛstjuːəɹˌi// es·tu·ary
n. the wide part of a river where it meets the sea. Here, the fresh water from the river mixes with the salty water from the ocean.
n. the tidal mouth of a large river, where the tide meets the stream. Characterised by brackish water and significant sediment deposition.
Many birds live in the muddy estuary.
The city was built on the estuary to allow large ships to travel from the ocean into the heart of the country.
Ecologists are concerned that rising sea levels will alter the delicate salinity of the estuary, potentially destroying the breeding grounds of several local fish species.
From Latin aestuarium (“creek”, “estuary of a river”).
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'Estuary English' to describe a specific accent from the Thames area.