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Glite Dictionary
Cataract Canyon

Cataract Canyon

6.7
A deep scenic canyon in southeastern Utah carved by the Colorado River with strong rapids
  • proper noun
translation icon : Cañón Cataract
  • Many adventurers seek out Cataract Canyon for its challenging whitewater rafting experience.

Examples

  • Stunning rock formations rise above the Colorado River in Cataract Canyon.

  • The expedition included a week-long journey through Cataract Canyon and its surrounding wilderness.

  • We hiked through Cataract Canyon last summer.

  • Have you ever rafted in Cataract Canyon?

  • Many adventurers seek out Cataract Canyon for its challenging whitewater rafting experience.

  • Stunning rock formations rise above the Colorado River in Cataract Canyon.

  • The expedition included a week-long journey through Cataract Canyon and its surrounding wilderness.

Surface Forms

Cataract Canyon main

Morphology

cataract + canyon

The name combines 'cataract' (a very large waterfall or intense rapids) with 'canyon' (a steep-sided valley), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a canyon characterized by waterfalls/whitewater. Although it is a proper place name, the meaning is directly compositional and cross-linguistically transparent.

Etymology

Cataract Canyon gets its name from the word cataract, which means a big waterfall or very strong rapids. The Colorado River has cut deep walls there and makes powerful, waterfall-like rapids, so the name fits this 'deep, scenic canyon' known for 'whitewater rapids'.