Rotterdam

/ˈrɒtərdæm/ noun

Definition

A major port city in the Netherlands, one of the largest shipping centers in the world.

Etymology

Dutch 'Rotte' (river name) plus '-dam' (embankment/dam), descriptive of its location on the Rotte River where a dam was built.

Kelly Says

Rotterdam was almost completely destroyed in World War II but rebuilt into the world's busiest port—its name literally describes its salvation (a dam holding back water).

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