Donner Pass
- proper noun
- /ˈdɒnər pæs/
- NSFW
:
Paso Donner
- Heavy snowfall often closes Donner Pass during winter months, causing major delays on the interstate.
Examples
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Many hikers visit Donner Pass to see the memorial dedicated to the ill-fated Donner Party.
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The tragic events at Donner Pass are a significant part of California's pioneer history.
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The Donner Pass is a scenic route in California.
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Have you ever visited Donner Pass during the winter?
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Many hikers visit Donner Pass to see the memorial dedicated to the ill-fated Donner Party.
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Heavy snowfall often closes Donner Pass during winter months, causing major delays on the interstate.
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The tragic events at Donner Pass are a significant part of California's pioneer history.
Surface Forms
Morphology
Donner + pass
The phrase follows a common toponymic pattern ProperName + pass, where 'pass' clearly denotes a mountain passage; a B1 learner who knows 'pass' will readily infer this is a mountain pass named 'Donner.' The specific historical facts about the Donner Party and cannibalism are not derivable from the words, but the primary geographic meaning is transparently compositional.
Etymology
Donner Pass is named after the Donner family and the group called the 'Donner Party', who were trapped by deep snow there in 1846–47 and, when food ran out, some survivors ate other people to stay alive. Because of that famous tragedy and the heavy winter snow, the name now makes people think of a dangerous mountain crossing and the way the road often closes in winter.
