New Caledonia
1
3.5
- proper noun
- It becomes part of a military shipment to New Caledonia.
Examples
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These have to be the buggers who brought in the gear and explosives from New Caledonia.
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True, she did leave New Caledonia headed south the day after we let them go.
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Chartered in New Caledonia, the Ouvea.
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Also tomorrow, our man arrives in New Caledonia to source the yacht and prepare to receive the...necessary equipment.
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New Caledonia is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant marine life.
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Many tourists visit New Caledonia to experience its unique blend of French and Melanesian cultures.
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The government of France oversees the administration of New Caledonia, which is located in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
Surface Forms
Morphology
New + Caledonia
The form is compositionally built from 'New' + a place name 'Caledonia', so a learner who knows both constituents would readily infer it denotes a place called 'New Caledonia' following the widespread 'New X' naming pattern. However, the specific encyclopedic details (that it is a large island and a French overseas territory in the southwest Pacific) are world knowledge not recoverable from the parts, making the expression only partially transparent.
Etymology
New Caledonia was named by the explorer James Cook, who thought the island's rocky coast looked like old 'Scotland', once called 'Caledonia'. So he put New before Caledonia, and that name stuck as the island's name.