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Glite Dictionary
Syrian Desert

Syrian Desert

4.8
A very large dry area in southern Syria, western Iraq, eastern Jordan and northern Saudi Arabia
  • proper noun
translation icon : Desierto Sirio
  • Archaeologists have found several prehistoric sites scattered throughout the Syrian Desert.

Examples

  • The Syrian Desert is known for its extreme temperatures.

  • The Syrian Desert is known for its harsh climate and arid landscape.

  • Ancient trade routes often crossed the Syrian Desert on the way to Mesopotamia.

  • Many ancient trade routes crossed the Syrian Desert.

  • The ancient trade routes crossed through the Syrian Desert, connecting different cultures.

  • Explorers often find fascinating artifacts while traversing the vast expanse of the Syrian Desert.

  • During the hot summer months, temperatures in the Syrian Desert can soar to extreme levels.

Surface Forms

Syrian Desert main

Morphology

Syrian + desert

This place name is directly compositional: 'Syrian' (relating to Syria) modifies 'desert' (a vast, dry region), so a learner who knows both words will immediately infer it denotes a desert associated with Syria/that region. The adjective+noun geographic naming pattern is cross-linguistically common, making the meaning transparent to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Syrian Desert comes from joining Syrian meaning 'about Syria' and desert meaning 'a dry, empty land'. Long ago travelers used the name for the wide, harsh lands east and south of Syria, and that is why today Syrian Desert refers to the large dry area across parts of Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.