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Confluence vs Estuary - What's the difference?

confluence | estuary |

As nouns the difference between confluence and estuary

is that confluence is the place where two rivers, streams, or other continuously flowing bodies of water meet and become one, especially where a tributary joins a river while estuary is coastal water body where ocean tides and river water merge.

confluence

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • The place where two rivers, streams, or other continuously flowing bodies of water meet and become one, especially where a tributary joins a river.
    • We encountered an abandoned boat at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
  • The act of combining which occurs at the place where rivers and the lake meet.
    • The confluence of the rivers produced a great rush of water.
  • A convergence or combination of forces, people, or things.
    • The confluence of our skills resulted in a successful home renovation project.

    Synonyms

    * conflux

    Derived terms

    * confluence aloft

    estuary

    English

    Alternative forms

    * (archaic)

    Noun

    (estuaries)
  • Coastal water body where ocean tides and river water merge.
  • An ocean inlet also fed by fresh river water.

    • Derived terms

    * Estuary English