What is an estuary in the context of a river mouth?

An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of brackish water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea. It's often the widest part of a river's mouth, significantly influenced by tides.

How does a delta differ from an estuary?

While both are river mouths, a delta is typically formed by sediment deposition, creating a fan-shaped landform with multiple channels. An estuary, on the other hand, is primarily characterized by the mixing of fresh and saltwater due to tidal influence, often forming a wider, funnel-shaped mouth.

Are there other terms for the mouth of a river in crosswords?

Yes, beyond ESTUARY and DELTA, terms like EMBOUCHURE are sometimes used, though less commonly. The context of the clue and the number of letters will usually guide you to the correct answer.

mouth of river crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "mouth of river crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide quick and accurate answers to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.

Solutions for "mouth of river crossword clue" by Letter Count

5 Letters

DELTA: A landform that is formed at the mouth of a river where its current is slowed down, leading to the deposition of sediment. Typically triangular.

7 Letters

ESTUARY: The wide, tidal mouth of a river, where the tide meets the stream. Often a mix of fresh and saltwater.

10 Letters

EMBOUCHURE: The mouth of a river or stream, especially where it flows into the sea or a lake. A more formal or technical term.

More About "mouth of river crossword clue"

The "mouth of river" clue frequently appears in crosswords, and understanding the nuances of the answers can greatly assist in solving. The most common answers, DELTA and ESTUARY, represent distinct geographical features, both located where a river meets a larger body of water, but formed by different processes.

An ESTUARY is characterized by a mix of fresh river water and salty ocean water, creating a unique brackish environment influenced by tides. They are vital ecosystems, often serving as nurseries for marine life. Examples include the Thames Estuary in England or the Chesapeake Bay in the USA.

A DELTA, conversely, is a landform created by the deposition of sediment that is carried by a river as it flows into a slower-moving body of water, such as an ocean, lake, or reservoir. Over time, these sediments build up, forming a typically triangular-shaped land area often crisscrossed by multiple distributaries of the river. The Nile Delta and the Mississippi River Delta are famous examples.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider Letter Count: The length of the blank spaces is your first and most reliable hint. For "mouth of river," if you have 5 letters, DELTA is highly probable. If 7, ESTUARY is a strong contender.
Think Synonyms and Related Terms: Crossword clues often use synonyms or descriptive phrases. While "mouth of river" is direct, other clues might hint at the same concepts, like "tidal inlet" (ESTUARY) or "river fan" (DELTA).
Check Surrounding Letters: Once you've tentatively filled in an answer, verify if the crossing letters make sense with other clues. This is a crucial step in confirming your solution.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most common answer for "mouth of river" in crosswords?

The most common answers are typically ESTUARY (7 letters) and DELTA (5 letters). The exact answer depends on the number of letters required by the puzzle.

Can "embouchure" be an answer for "mouth of river"?

Yes, "EMBOUCHURE" is a valid, though less frequent, answer. It literally means the mouth of a river. It's a longer word, often appearing when the puzzle requires more letters.

How can I tell if the clue refers to a delta or an estuary?

Beyond the letter count, sometimes the surrounding clues or the overall theme of the puzzle might hint at a specific geographical feature. If the clue mentions tides or brackish water, ESTUARY is more likely. If it hints at sediment buildup or a triangular shape, DELTA is a better fit.