Pronunciation: [ɹəvˈiːn] (IPA) 
The word "ravine" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end. This means that the spelling does not reflect the actual pronunciation of the word. The IPA phonetic transcription of "ravine" is /rəˈvin/. The "r" is pronounced with a soft "r" sound, and the vowels are pronounced with a short "a" sound and an "i" sound, respectively. The final "e" is not pronounced and serves only to indicate the vowel sound in the preceding syllable.
A ravine is a deep, narrow, and steep-sided valley or gorge, typically formed by the erosion of flowing water. This geographical feature is typically characterized by its sharp and erosive nature, with steep slopes and rugged terrain. Ravines are often found in mountainous regions, where they are formed through the constant action of water flowing through a channel, wearing away the surrounding rocks and soil over time.
Ravines are distinguished by their V-shaped profile, created by the persistent downcutting of a river or stream. They can vary in size, ranging from a few feet to hundreds of feet deep, depending on the geology and the amount of water erosion present. The steep terrain and exposed rocks within a ravine make it a unique and beautiful sight, often attracting hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts who appreciate its captivating and secluded qualities.
Ravines are typically home to a diverse range of flora and fauna due to their microclimates and unique topography. They provide shelter and resources for various plants and animals, creating a rich ecosystem within their secluded walls. In some cases, ravines may also serve as natural drainage channels during heavy rainfall or snowmelt, helping to prevent flooding in surrounding areas.
Overall, a ravine can be understood as a striking and often challenging natural feature, created by the powerful forces of erosion over time.
A deep hollow formed by violent floods; the narrow excavated channel of some mountain-stream; a gorge; a mountain-cleft.
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 "ravine" can be traced back to the French word "ravin", which means "gully" or "torrential stream". The French term itself derives from the Old Provençal word "ravina", meaning "a breach" or "a crack". The ultimate origin of the word is uncertain, but it is believed to come from a pre-Roman root.
