Pronunciation: [kjˈuːənkə] (IPA) 
The word "Cuenca" is a prime example of how closely the spelling of words can be linked to their pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, "Cuenca" is spelled /ˈkwɛŋkə/. The first sound, /k/, is followed by a diphthong, /wɛ/, and ends with a nasal sound, /ŋ/. The final syllable, /kə/, completes the word. The term "Cuenca" is often used to refer to a city in Ecuador and a province in Spain.
Cuenca:
Noun
1. A geographical term referring to a deep, elongated depression or valley carved out by a river or glacier. A cuenca typically has steep sides and a flat or gently sloping floor, and often serves as a drainage basin for collecting and carrying water.
2. A term used in hydrology to designate a catchment area or watershed, specifically referring to the area of land that collects rainfall and contributes it to a particular river system or body of water. This region includes all the land and water features, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands, that share a common outlet for water runoff.
3. A city or town located within a cuenca and often named after it. This usage is especially common in Spanish-speaking countries where a cuenca may correspond to a major river valley or basin, and various settlements can be found along its course.
4. A type of traditional Ecuadorian hat made from Ecuadorian straw or Panama hat, which is woven from the leaves of the toquilla palm. This hat is typically light-colored, has a rounded crown, and a wide brim, and is often worn by men and women alike for sun protection and as a symbol of Ecuador.
In summary, the term "cuenca" encompasses various definitions related to geography, hydrology, settlements, and traditional Ecuadorian hats. It serves as a versatile concept that intertwines different aspects of the natural and cultural world.
The word "cuenca" comes from the Latin word "concha", which means "shell" or "basin". In Old Spanish, it evolved to "cuenga", which referred to a hollow area or basin. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation changed, and today it is used to refer to a basin, both in the geographical sense (such as a river basin) and in the sense of a bowl or container.
