WADABLE Meaning and
Definition
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"Wadable" refers to the ability of something, particularly a body of water, to be crossed or traversed on foot without the need for a bridge or other means of support. It is an adjective used to describe a body of water that is shallow enough or has a surface that is firm enough to allow people to walk through it.
The term is derived from the verb "wade," which means to walk through or across a body of water. When a body of water is wadable, it means that it is not too deep or treacherous for individuals to navigate through on foot. This may include rivers, streams, creeks, ponds, or lakes, where the water is not excessively deep or swift-moving.
The wadability of a body of water can depend on various factors such as its depth, current, clarity, and the presence of obstacles such as rocks or mud. For example, a shallow, slow-moving river might be considered wadable, while a deep, fast-moving river may not. Similarly, a small pond or creek with a clear and firm bottom may also be categorized as wadable.
Overall, the term "wadable" helps to convey the suitability or safety of crossing a body of water on foot, highlighting its manageable depth or firmness, and allowing individuals to confidently and comfortably traverse it without the need for additional assistance or equipment.
Etymology of WADABLE
The word "wadable" is derived from the verb "wade".
"Wade" comes from the Middle English word "waden", which originated from the Old English word "wadan". This Old English term is related to the Old Norse word "vatha", both of which mean "to wade" or "to ford".
The etymology of "wade" traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "*wadaną", which shares the same meaning. This Proto-Germanic term likely evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root "*wadh₁-" meaning "to go" or "to step".
Therefore, the word "wadable" indicates that something is able to be waded through or fordable, usually referring to a body of water that can be crossed on foot without swimming.
