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Glite Dictionary
Patagonian Desert

Patagonian Desert

6.3
A very large dry area in southern Argentina that is one of the world's biggest deserts
  • proper noun
  • /ˌpætəˈgoʊniən ˈdɛzərt/
translation icon : Desierto Patagónico
  • The Patagonian Desert is the largest desert in Argentina and attracts many tourists each year.

Examples

  • The Patagonian Desert is famous for its unique wildlife and expansive steppe landscape.

  • Winds sweeping across the Patagonian Desert shape the region's rugged terrain.

  • Scientists conduct climate studies in the Patagonian Desert to learn about arid environments.

  • The Patagonian Desert is known for its unique wildlife.

  • Have you ever visited the Patagonian Desert?

  • In the Patagonian Desert, you can find unique flora and fauna that have adapted to the harsh conditions.

  • Exploring the Patagonian Desert offers a glimpse into one of the world's most expansive semiarid regions.

Synonyms

desert
vsPatagonian Desert
894 1.3

A large dry area with very little rain and few plants

is a named semiarid region in southern Argentina and very large in size

Surface Forms

Patagonian Desert main

Morphology

Patagonian + desert

The meaning 'a desert in Patagonia' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'Patagonian' (from Patagonia) with 'desert' (a dry, sparsely vegetated region). This proper-noun + noun place-name pattern is compositional and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will understand the MWE.

Etymology

Patagonian Desert takes its name from the region Patagonia in southern South America and desert simply describes the dry, open land there. One popular story says early explorers called the area 'Patagonia' because they thought the local people were very large, so the name means the large dry area in that part of the world.