Euphrates

/juːˈfreɪtiːz/ noun

Definition

One of the two main rivers in ancient Mesopotamia, flowing through modern Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.

Etymology

From Greek 'Euphratēs,' derived from Old Persian and possibly Akkadian roots related to 'flowing' or 'breaking forth.' The name's exact origin is debated, but it has been used to identify this major river for at least 2,500 years.

Kelly Says

The Euphrates is where writing was invented, where agriculture began, where the first cities rose—and today it's shrinking dangerously because of dams and climate change. Watching one of humanity's cradles dry up is one of the 21st century's quiet tragedies.

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