Pronunciation: [ˈɒksbə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "oxbow" is spelled with four letters, beginning with the letter "o" which makes a short "ɑ" sound. The "x" in the middle of the word is silent and doesn't have a sound. The next letter is "b" which makes a "b" sound, and finally the word ends with a "ow" which makes a diphthong sound like "aʊ". An oxbow is a U-shaped bend in a river formed by erosion and can often be seen from above in aerial photographs.
Oxbow, noun
Definition:
1. A U-shaped bend or curve in a river or stream formed when the river's flow takes a new, shorter channel, leaving behind a crescent-shaped or horseshoe-shaped body of water that remains isolated from the main channel.
2. A piece of land or a plain located within the curve of an oxbow, typically characterized by fertile soil and often used for agricultural purposes.
Example sentence:
1. After heavy rains, the river formed an oxbow as it carved a new path, leaving behind a serene lake that attracted various species of birds.
2. Farmers in the area utilized the fertile oxbow for cultivating crops, benefitting from its rich soil and natural irrigation.
Etymology:
The term "oxbow" originated from the resemblance of the curved body of water to the shape of an ox's bow or yoke. This association reflects the way oxen were traditionally used in agriculture, pulling plows or carts, and how their yoke shapes resemble the bend in the rivers.
The word "oxbow" dates back to the mid-14th century, combining the Old English word "oxa" (meaning ox) and "boga" (meaning bow). Over time, this term expanded to include not only the physical bend in the river but also the area of land it encloses.
The word "oxbow" has its origins in Old English. It is derived from the combination of two separate words: "ox" and "bow".
The term "ox" refers to the domesticated bovine animal commonly known as the ox. In Old English, "ox" was spelled "o(xa)" and is believed to have been descended from the Proto-Germanic word "uhsan" or "auhsan". This word is thought to have roots in the Proto-Indo-European language, which dates back thousands of years.
The word "bow" in this context refers to a curved or crescent-shaped structure. Its Old English spelling was "boga", and it shares roots with related Germanic languages. Going further back, the term is believed to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European word "bheug" or "bhug", meaning "to bend".
