A wetland area or backwater channel, often a side channel of a river or a shallow, marshy depression that may be seasonally flooded. These areas provide important habitat for waterfowl and other wetland species.
From Old English 'sloh' meaning muddy place, related to 'slough' meaning to shed or cast off. The geographical sense developed from the idea of water being 'cast off' from the main channel into side areas.
The Mississippi River has thousands of sloughs that serve as nurseries for fish and resting spots for migrating waterfowl - these quiet backwaters are like nature's rest stops along the great river highway! Many sloughs are remnants of old river channels that were cut off when the main river changed course, creating crescent-shaped wetlands.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.