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delta

delta

noun DEL-tah Rare
Animals & Nature Geography

Origin: Greek delta (fourth letter of the Greek alphabet)

Usage Note

Delta is used in Spanish both for a river delta (the triangular landmass at a river's mouth) and as the Greek letter. As a geographical noun it is masculine: el delta del Nilo. It is also used in scientific, mathematical, and aviation contexts. The spelling and pronunciation are nearly identical to English, making it an easy false cognate — but note it is el not la.

Examples

"El río forma un delta antes de llegar al mar."

Natural Translation

The river forms a delta before reaching the sea.

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