canyon
UK[ˈkænjən]US[ˈkænjən]
n
a deep valley with steep sides of rock, often with a stream or river flowing through it
Etymology
The word 'canyon' entered English in the mid-19th century from the Spanish word 'cañón', which means 'tube', 'pipe', or 'gorge'. The Spanish term itself derives from the augmentative form of 'caña', meaning 'reed' or 'tube', which originates from the Latin 'canna', meaning 'reed' or 'cane'. This etymology reflects the conceptual link between a long, hollow tube and the deep, narrow, tubular shape of a canyon, a meaning that was solidified through the exploration of dramatic landscapes like the Grand Canyon in the American Southwest.
Analysis
The word 'canyon' is a simplex loanword from Spanish. It does not contain separable, meaningful morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
The hikers descended into the deep canyon, marveling at the layered rock walls.
The Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years.
The narrow canyon provided welcome shade from the desert sun.