oxbow

See also: Oxbow

English

Etymology

From ox +‎ bow.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈɒksbəʊ/

Noun

oxbow (plural oxbows)

1. A U-shaped piece of wood used as a collar for an ox, the upper parts of which are fastened to its yoke.
2. A meander in a river; the land enclosed by such a loop.
   • 1988, Octavia E. Butler, “Part II, Chapter 1”, in Adulthood Rites, page 69:

     Humans called this an oxbow lake—one that had originally been part of the river.

Derived terms

• oxbow lake
• oxbow stirrup