The word "lagoon" is spelled l-a-g-o-o-n. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ləˈɡuːn/. The first syllable is unstressed, represented by the "schwa" sound /ə/. The second syllable has a long "o" sound /uː/. The third syllable has a stressed "n" sound /n/. A lagoon is a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by a reef or sandbar. This word is commonly used to describe the charming blue-green water bodies found in tropical regions around the world.
A lagoon is a shallow body of water, typically separated from a larger body of water by a barrier such as a sandbar, coral reef, or barrier island. It is often found along coastal areas and is commonly formed as a result of the combination of tidal action, wave action, and the accumulation of sediments.
Characterized by clear, calm waters, lagoons can vary in size from small, isolated bodies to expansive, interconnected networks. They are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, where the warm climate promotes the growth of diverse marine life. Due to their sheltered nature, lagoons serve as important habitats for various species, including fish, crabs, mollusks, and birds.
Lagoons are not only natural formations but can also be man-made. Artificial lagoons are often constructed for recreational purposes, such as swimming or boating, or to enhance the aesthetic appeal of resorts and housing developments.
Aside from their ecological and recreational significance, lagoons also play a crucial role in coastal processes. They can act as buffers, reducing the impact of ocean storms and protecting adjacent lands from erosion. Lagoons are dynamic systems that evolve over time due to factors such as sedimentation, erosion, and changes in sea level.
Overall, lagoons are unique and valuable ecosystems, offering a range of benefits from biodiversity conservation to human enjoyment.
A fen or marsh; a morass; a shallow lake or inlet of the sea.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "lagoon" entered the English language in the late 17th century, derived from the Italian word "laguna". The Italian term, in turn, comes from the Latin word "lacūna", meaning "pool" or "lake". Lacūna itself derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*lek-" meaning "to become wet" or "to leak". The concept of a lagoon is essentially a shallow body of water near or connected to a larger body of water, often separated by a sandbar, shoal, or coral reef. The term gradually made its way into English through various maritime explorations and trade interactions.