gatun lake: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical / Geographical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “gatun lake” mean?
A large artificial lake in Panama, forming a key part of the Panama Canal system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large artificial lake in Panama, forming a key part of the Panama Canal system.
A major geographical feature and engineering landmark, created by damming the Chagres River; serves as a freshwater reservoir and waterway for ships crossing the isthmus. In broader contexts, it can symbolize large-scale human alteration of the environment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. The term is equally rare in both varieties, used primarily in specific geographical, historical, or engineering contexts.
Connotations
Connotations are neutral, tied to geography and engineering. May evoke ideas of imperial-era construction (US influence in Panama) or environmental impact.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the historical connection between the US and the Panama Canal.
Grammar
How to Use “gatun lake” in a Sentence
The [ship] crossed Gatun Lake.Gatun Lake was formed by damming the [river].[Location] is on the shores of Gatun Lake.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gatun lake” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Gatun Lake crossing is a marvel.
- Gatun Lake water levels are monitored daily.
American English
- The Gatun Lake passage is crucial.
- Gatun Lake depth charts are updated regularly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Mentioned in logistics, shipping, and infrastructure reports regarding Panama Canal traffic and capacity.
Academic
Used in geography, history, environmental studies, and engineering papers discussing the canal's construction and hydrology.
Everyday
Virtually unused in everyday conversation outside Panama or specific interest groups (e.g., shipping enthusiasts, historians).
Technical
Core term in navigation charts, canal operation manuals, and civil engineering texts related to water management and lock systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gatun lake”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gatun lake”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gatun lake”
- Misspelling as 'Gatun Lack' or 'Gaton Lake'.
- Incorrectly using 'the' before it as a default (e.g., 'the Gatun Lake'); while sometimes seen, 'Gatun Lake' is typically used without an article, similar to 'Lake Superior'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Gatun Lake is a man-made (artificial) lake, created between 1907 and 1913 by the construction of the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River.
It was created to provide a large, stable body of water to float ships across the Isthmus of Panama and to supply the massive amounts of freshwater needed to operate the canal's lock system.
While the water is freshwater, swimming is generally not recommended for tourists due to heavy ship traffic, unpredictable currents near the channel, and the potential presence of wildlife like crocodiles.
The Panama Canal is the entire 82km ship route across Panama. Gatun Lake is a specific, large section of that route—a lake that makes up about 33km of the transit, connecting the canal's northern and southern lock systems.
A large artificial lake in Panama, forming a key part of the Panama Canal system.
Gatun lake is usually technical / geographical / historical in register.
Gatun lake: in British English it is pronounced /ɡəˈtuːn leɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡəˈtun leɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'The GATes were shUT to create the LAKE' – Gatun Lake was formed by closing the gates of the Gatun Dam.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIQUID STAIRCASE (ships are raised and lowered across the isthmus via the lake and locks).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of Gatun Lake in the modern context?