Meaning of Word
Delta refers to a landform that forms at the mouth of a river, where the river meets a body of water like an ocean, sea, or lake. It can also refer to the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet, or a change in a particular variable, particularly in mathematics or science.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- A landform created by sediment deposition at the mouth of a river.
- The fourth letter of the Greek alphabet (Δ, δ).
- A symbol used in mathematics and science to represent change or difference in a quantity.
- A variation or shift in a variable, often used in contexts like stock market changes or scientific experiments.
- A type of aircraft, especially referring to a model (e.g., Delta Air Lines).
History and Origin
The term delta comes from the Greek letter Δ (capital) or δ (lowercase), which resembles the triangular shape of a river delta. The use of the word to describe the landform was popularized by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who observed the triangular shape of the Nile River’s mouth. The word has since been extended to other meanings, such as a change in quantities in scientific contexts or as a designation for various uses, like in aeronautics.
Detailed Explanation
A delta is a triangular or fan-shaped deposit of sediment at the mouth of a river, where the flow of water slows and the river spreads out into smaller channels. Over time, these deposits build up, creating new land. Deltas are often characterized by rich biodiversity and fertile soil, making them important for agriculture. In science, the symbol Δ is used to denote a change in a quantity (for example, a change in temperature is represented as ΔT). The shape of the delta is often used in various fields to represent convergence or branching.
Example Sentences
- The Nile delta is one of the most famous and fertile regions in Egypt.
- The delta of the Mississippi River is known for its wetlands and rich wildlife.
- The scientists used the delta symbol to calculate the change in the temperature.
- We took a boat tour through the delta, enjoying the views of the river channels.
- The plane had to make a stop at Delta airport before heading to its final destination.
- Delta airlines offers many international flights to popular destinations.
- The delta in stock prices indicated a significant change in market conditions.
- The river’s delta is constantly changing due to sediment deposits and erosion.
- The biologist studied the delta ecosystem to understand its role in the environment.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Estuary: A body of water where a river meets the sea, often with a delta-like formation.
- River mouth: The point where a river empties into another body of water, commonly forming a delta.
- Branch: A smaller offshoot of a river, often found in a delta.
- Floodplain: The flat land around a river that can be affected by sediment deposits, similar to a delta.
- Sediment deposit: The accumulation of materials like sand and mud, forming features like a delta.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Deltaic: Related to or resembling a delta, especially in terms of sedimentary deposits.
- Basin: A geographical area drained by a river and its tributaries, sometimes leading to a delta.
- Tidal flat: A coastal area affected by tidal waters, often related to delta regions.
- Alluvial: Pertaining to soil or sediment deposited by flowing water, which is a key feature of delta regions.
- Meander: A winding curve or bend in a river, often seen before it reaches a delta.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Swamp: Wetland areas found near deltas, often influenced by the sediment-rich waters.
- Wetlands: Areas of land that are saturated with water, typically found in or around deltas.
- Flooding: Overflowing of water, often affecting delta regions during high water levels.
- Delta wave: A term in neuroscience referring to a type of brainwave activity, not related to the river delta.
- Delta function: A mathematical function used to represent a spike or change, similar to how the delta symbol indicates change.
Antonyms
- Upland: Elevated land away from river mouths, opposite of delta regions.
- Mountain: A large, steep landform, in contrast to the flat, fertile land of a delta.
- Plain: A broad, flat area of land, not influenced by the deposition of river sediments like a delta.
- Desert: A dry, barren land with little to no water or vegetation, unlike delta areas.
- Plateau: A flat elevated area, often found at higher elevations, opposite of the low-lying delta landforms.