Cachoeira

/ˌkɑːʃuˈeɪrə/ noun

Definition

A waterfall or cascade, especially in Portuguese-speaking regions or Brazilian geography.

Etymology

From Portuguese 'cachoeira,' derived from Tupi (Brazilian indigenous language) 'caaçu' (water) and 'era' (falling). The word reflects the linguistic blending of Portuguese with indigenous Brazilian languages during colonization. It is commonly used in place names throughout Brazil.

Kelly Says

Brazil is covered with waterfalls of all sizes, and their word 'cachoeira' is so common that it appears in hundreds of place names—it's like how English speakers say 'falls' or 'cascade,' but Portuguese speakers had an indigenous word ready to go.

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