Pennine Chain

7.0

A range of hills in northern England that separates rivers flowing to different coasts

proper noun

: Cadena Pennina

Many rivers in England have their sources in the Pennine Chain.

Examples

The Pennine Chain is often called the 'backbone of England' due to its central position.
Hikers enjoy traversing the Pennine Chain for its scenic landscapes and varied wildlife.
The Pennine Chain is known for its stunning landscapes.
Many hikers explore the Pennine Chain every summer.
Hikers enjoy traversing the Pennine Chain for its scenic landscapes and varied wildlife.
Many rivers in England have their sources in the Pennine Chain.
The Pennine Chain is often called the 'backbone of England' due to its central position.

Synonyms

Pennines

vsPennine Chain

1 5.5

A range of hills in northern England that runs from the Scottish border to the River Trent

is the alternate form used to describe the same range with broader watershed reference

Surface Forms

Pennine Chain main

Morphology

Pennine + chain

The noun 'chain' transparently signals a succession or range of hills, so part of the MWE's meaning (a linked series of hills) is compositional and predictable. However, 'Pennine' is a proper-name element that is not semantically decomposable for learners; without prior knowledge of the Pennines as a specific region the full referent (the particular range in northern England) is not derivable, making the expression only partially transparent.

Etymology

Pennine Chain gives a clear picture: the hills are linked like a chain running down the middle of northern England. Because many rivers start on its slopes and it divides the land, people call it the 'backbone of England', so the name means the main range of hills there.