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Glite Dictionary
Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park

4.4
A national park in Utah with colorful rocks, canyons, and desert plants and animals
  • proper noun
  • /ˈkæpɪtəl rif ˈnæʃənəl pɑrk/
translation icon : Parque Nacional Capitol Reef
  • Many hikers enjoy exploring the unique desert landscape of Capitol Reef National Park in Utah.
  • Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Examples

  • We spent three days hiking in Capitol Reef National Park and marveled at the stunning landscapes.

  • Her favorite vacation was camping under the stars in Capitol Reef National Park.

  • Capitol Reef National Park offers unique opportunities to explore canyons, cliffs, and natural arches.

  • I visited Capitol Reef National Park last summer.

  • Have you ever been to Capitol Reef National Park?

  • The stunning rock formations in Capitol Reef National Park attract thousands of visitors every year.

  • Birdwatchers often visit Capitol Reef National Park to see its diverse plant and animal life.

Surface Forms

Capitol Reef National Park main

Morphology

Capitol + reef + national + park

The component 'national park' is transparently understood by a B1 learner who knows 'national' and 'park', so they would recognise this is a park administered at the national level. However, 'Capitol Reef' is a proper name whose specific referent (an inland Utah rock formation) is not derivable from the parts — especially since 'reef' typically evokes a marine formation — so the full meaning requires prior exposure.

Etymology

Capitol Reef National Park gets its name from two images early visitors used: white, rounded rock domes that looked like a government capitol, and a long, rocky ridge that blocked wagons and looked like a reef because it acted as a barrier. That's why the park's name points to those domes and the rough rock barrier.