dales
/deɪlz/
NOUN
1. Valleys and low-lying areas between hills
Areas of relatively low land situated between hills or mountains, often characterized by gently sloping sides, streams, rivers, and fertile countryside.
1.1. Geographical valleys and lowlands
Used to describe natural depressions or stretches of low-lying land between elevated areas, particularly broad valleys in hilly or mountainous regions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- mountains
- mountaintops
- peaks
- summits
- heights
- alps
- plateaus
- plateaux
- tablelands
- pinnacles
Examples
- Wildflowers adorned the rolling dales with a riot of colors.
- The soft breeze whispered through the grassy dales on a calm afternoon.
- Hikers explored the picturesque dales, reveling in nature's beauty.
- Sunsets painted the western skies, casting a warm glow over the peaceful dales.
- Sheep grazed contentedly in the lush green dales, creating a peaceful pastoral scene.
Related Words
1.2. Deep valleys and narrow geological formations
Used for relatively deep, steep-sided or narrow depressions in the landscape, including valleys carved by rivers, erosion, or geological movements.
Synonyms
Examples
- The explorers crossed several narrow dales surrounded by steep rocky walls.
- Ancient streams had gradually carved the landscape into deep dales and ravines.
- The mountain trail descended through a series of rugged dales.
Related Words
- chasms
- abysses
- crevasses
- crevices
- fissures
- clefts
- defiles
- trenches
- erosion
- watercourses
1.3. Basins and bowl-shaped depressions
Used for naturally enclosed or bowl-shaped areas of lower ground surrounded by higher terrain, sometimes collecting water or sediment.
Synonyms
- basins
- bowls
- depressions
Examples
- Rainwater collected in the broad dales after several days of heavy rainfall.
- The surrounding hills formed natural boundaries around the shallow dales.
- The geological survey identified several bowl-shaped dales in the region.
Related Words
- troughs
- cirques
- kettles
- floodplains
- watersheds
- drainage
- lowlands
- topography
NOUN
2. Channels and troughs for carrying water
Open channels, troughs, or spouts designed to convey or discharge water, particularly from a pump or similar source. This is an uncommon or archaic sense.
2.1. Water channels and drainage structures
Used in an uncommon sense for a trough or spout that directs water away from a pump or another water source.
Synonyms
- troughs
- spouts
- channels
- flumes
- gutters
Examples
- The old pump discharged water through wooden dales into the drainage channel.
Related Words
- drainage
- watercourse
- waterway
- conduit
- pipe
- aqueduct
- discharge
- water flow