Volta River
- proper noun
- The Volta River is the primary source of water for many communities in Ghana.
Examples
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This hairstyle still exists among the Dangme-speaking people who now live in Agotime Kpetoe town east of the Volta River.
Academic text (1991) -
In contrast, devotees of minor gods that originated from among the Ewe who live east of the Volta River wear only hangu bracelets and anklets.
Academic text (1991) -
Tourists often visit the beautiful landscapes along the shores of the Volta River.
-
Fishers along the Volta River rely on its waters for their livelihoods.
Synonyms
A major river in Ghana that flows south to the sea
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a straightforward place-name built from a toponym plus the generic noun 'river', so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will understand it denotes a river called Volta. Specific geographic details (that it is in Ghana or forms part of Lake Volta) are not predictable from the words alone, but the basic meaning 'a river' is clearly compositional.
Etymology
Volta River: One popular story says the name comes from Portuguese sailors. They called the river Volta, meaning 'turn' or 'return', because of a big bend where boats had to turn, and that image is why the river has this name today.