estuary
nounUK /ˈestʃuəri/
US /ˈestʃueri/
A place where a river meets the sea and mixes with the salty water.
Many birds live in the estuary where the river flows into the ocean.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The wide lower part of a river where its current is met by the tides.
Boats sailed slowly through the estuary at high tide.
3. A water passage or arm of the sea that narrows as it goes inland.
The town grew around a sheltered estuary on the northern coast.
4. An area of mixed fresh and salt water that is rich in wildlife.
Scientists studied the estuary to learn how fish use it as a nursery.