rincon

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   in the southwestern United States and Spanish America, a small secluded valley, nook, or angular recess in a cliff

   The trail ended in a sheltered rincon beneath the red cliffs.

2. 2
   noun

   a bend in a river, or a tract of land enclosed by a river bend or converging waterways

   The ranch occupied a rincon bounded by the river on one side and deep brooks on the others.

Borrowed from Spanish rincon, 'corner, nook, or remote place,' formerly written rincon in English without the accent. Spanish rincon continues Old Spanish recon or rencon and is traced to Andalusi Arabic rukun, from Arabic rukn, 'corner or supporting angle.' The geographical senses extend the idea of a corner in the landscape.

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