Oxbow

usgb/ˈɑːksbəʊ/
noun

A U-shaped bend in a river.

The river makes a sharp oxbow, creating a peninsula.
Visual representation of "oxbow" - A U-shaped bend in a river

Often appears as...

  • oxbow lake
  • oxbow bend
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "oxbow"
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Geographical Feature

An oxbow commonly refers to a natural occurrence in rivers, often seen in geography.

Illustration for Geographical Feature
Our geography lesson included a diagram of an oxbow in the river.
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Erosion Process

Oxbows form due to erosion and deposition, helping English learners understand river dynamics.

Illustration for Erosion Process
The oxbow was a result of the river changing course over many years.
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Shifting Rivers

Oxbows imply that the river has shifted, leaving a distinctive U-shape.

Illustration for Shifting Rivers
The old river map shows the oxbow before the waterway shifted east.
Visual representation of the word "Oxbow"

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