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Lechuguilla

Lechuguilla

1 9.9
A very deep limestone cave in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, known for long passages and rare mineral formations
  • proper noun
  • /lɛtʃʊˈɡiːjə/
: Lechuguilla
  • Explorations of Lechuguilla reveal its status as one of the deepest caves in the United States.
  • Lechuguilla cave
  • Lechuguilla in New Mexico

Examples

  • Two days into Lechuguilla, a member of the survey team had been hurt in an accident.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Lechuguilla was closed to the general public for the protection of both the cave and the visitors.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • But this caver had been injured in Lechuguilla.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Lechuguilla is known for its stunning mineral formations and vast underground passages.

  • Researchers often study the unique geology of Lechuguilla Cave during their expeditions.

Surface Forms

Etymology

Lechuguilla comes from Spanish: lechuga means 'lettuce' and the small ending -illa means 'little', so the name is 'little lettuce'. People also use lechuguilla for a local desert plant, so the cave's name reminds you of the plants of New Mexico and helps you remember this place.