Amazon


a river in N South America, flowing E from the Peruvian Andes through N Brazil to the Atlantic Ocean: the largest river in the world in volume of water carried. 3900 miles (6280 km) long.
Classical Mythology. one of a nation of female warriors said to dwell near the Black Sea.
one of a fabled tribe of female warriors in South America.
(often lowercase) a tall, powerful, aggressive woman.
.
any of several green parrots of the genus Amazona, of tropical America, often kept as pets.
Contemporary Examples

A century apart, Paul Rosolie and Henry Walter Bates describe their abiding enchantment with the Amazon.
Exploring the Amazon, While We Still Can Darrell Hartman May 14, 2014

Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube are all taking a unique approach to original programming on the Web.
What Hulu’s Original Programming Means for TV Nick Summers May 21, 2012

Not a chance, according to the company that took over hosting duties after Amazon shut the whistleblowing website down.
Could WikiLeaks Go Homeless? Brian Ries December 2, 2010

Reports from the Art Newspaper and the Wall Street Journal say Amazon is making plans to sell fine art online.
Amazon to Start Selling Fine Art On Line CNBC July 1, 2013

How much cheaper will depend on whether Apple would want to fight Amazon to maintain competitiveness.
Amazon Is the Big Winner in Justice Dept. Suit Against Apple and 5 Publishers Jimmy So April 10, 2012

Historical Examples

It is the best of flyers, as it can “breakfast on the Senegal (Africa), and dine on the Amazon.”
An Australian Bird Book John Albert Leach

Tongues had been creeping up the rivers that ran into the Amazon.
Astounding Stories of Super-Science, November, 1930 Various

Man makes a very insignificant figure in the vast solitudes of the Amazon.
The Andes and the Amazon James Orton

It seemed as though she had re-donned her armour and become an Amazon again.
His Masterpiece Emile Zola

There was something triumphant in her step which put one in mind of some handsome Amazon returning from battle.
Wives and Widows; or The Broken Life Ann S. Stephens

noun
any of various tropical American parrots of the genus Amazona, such as A. farinosa (green amazon), having a short tail and mainly green plumage
noun
(Greek myth) one of a race of women warriors of Scythia near the Black Sea
one of a legendary tribe of female warriors of South America
(often not capital) any tall, strong, or aggressive woman
noun
a river in South America, rising in the Peruvian Andes and flowing east through N Brazil to the Atlantic: in volume, the largest river in the world; navigable for 3700 km (2300 miles). Length: over 6440 km (4000 miles). Area of basin: over 5 827 500 sq km (2 250 000 sq miles)
n.

late 14c., from Greek Amazon (mostly in plural Amazones) “one of a race of female warriors in Scythia,” probably from an unknown non-Indo-European word, possibly from an Iranian compound *ha-maz-an- “(one) fighting together” [Watkins], but in folk etymology long derived from a- “without” + mazos “breasts,” hence the story that the Amazons cut or burned off one breast so they could draw bowstrings more efficiently.

The river in South America (originally called by the Spanish Rio Santa Maria de la Mar Dulce) rechristened by Francisco de Orellana, 1541, after an encounter with female warriors of the Tapuyas (or, as some say, beardless, long-haired male tribesmen; still others hold that the name is a corruption of a native word in Tupi or Guarani meaning “wave”).

Read Also:

  • Amazon ant

    any of several ants of the genus Polyergus that raid the nests of other species, carrying off and enslaving the young. noun any of several small reddish ants of the genus Polyergus, esp P. rufescens, that enslave the young of other ant species

  • Amazon cherry

    noun another name for acerola

  • Amazon parrot

    any of several tropical American green parrots of the genus Amazona, popular as pets.

  • Amazon river

    a river in N South America, flowing E from the Peruvian Andes through N Brazil to the Atlantic Ocean: the largest river in the world in volume of water carried. 3900 miles (6280 km) long. Classical Mythology. one of a nation of female warriors said to dwell near the Black Sea. one of a fabled […]

  • Amazonite

    a green feldspar, a variety of microcline, used as an ornamental material. Historical Examples “amazonite” was originally misnamed, as none is found along the river of that name. A Text-Book of Precious Stones for Jewelers and the Gem-Loving Public Frank Bertram Wade As has already been said, amazonite is sometimes sold as “jade,” which is […]


Disclaimer: Amazon definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.