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Definition of estuary

estuary

/ˈɛstʃuˌɛri/
es · tu · ar · y
Plural:estuaries
•
Adjective:estuarine
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estuary Lexical Profile

estuary Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The wide, tidal mouth of a large river where the fresh water of the stream meets and mixes with the salt water of the sea, forming a partially enclosed coastal body of brackish water.

Example

"The coastal estuary serves as a vital nursery ground for juvenile fish, crabs, and migratory shorebirds."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for estuary

• Rhymes for estuary

• Nearby Words

estranged
estrangement
estrogen
estuary
eswatini
et
eta

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin aestuarium, meaning 'a tidal marsh or opening,' derived from aestus ('boiling, surging tide, or heat').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Estuary. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/estuary
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