buttermilk falls
buttermilk falls Lexical Profile
• noun
American A prominent cascading waterfall and corresponding state park located in Ithaca, New York, named for the foaming, frothy appearance of its descending waters.
"During our trip to the Finger Lakes, we spent the afternoon hiking the scenic gorge trails at Buttermilk Falls."
American Any of several other North American waterfalls, such as those in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, characterized by turbulent, white water that resembles churned buttermilk.
"The heavy spring rains turned the usually calm stream into a rushing torrent over Buttermilk Falls."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The name is derived from the visual resemblance of the cascading, highly aerated, frothy white water to buttermilk. It is applied to several waterfalls in the United States, most famously the one located in Ithaca, New York.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.