cliff dwelling

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Word: Cliff Dwelling

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A cliff dwelling is a type of home that is built into the sides of cliffs. These homes are often made of rock and adobe (a mixture of clay, water, and straw) and are located on ledges that are sheltered from the weather. The Anasazi, an ancient Native American people, built cliff dwellings in the southwestern United States.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "cliff dwelling" to describe a specific architectural style or to refer to homes built in this way.
• It is typically used in discussions about history, archaeology, or architecture.

Example:

• "The ancient Anasazi people created impressive cliff dwellings that have survived for centuries."

Advanced Usage:

• When discussing cliff dwellings, you can include topics such as their historical significance, the materials used, or their architectural design.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of the term "cliff dwelling," but you could use related terms like:
  • "Cliff" (the steep rock face)
  • "Dwelling" (a more general term for a home)

Different Meanings:

• In a broader sense, "dwelling" can refer to any place where someone lives, not just those built on cliffs. For example, "She found a lovely dwelling in the city."

Synonyms:

• Rock house
• Cave dwelling (though this may refer to a different style)
• Cliff house (less common but sometimes used)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "cliff dwelling," but you could use phrases like:
  • "Living on the edge" (which metaphorically means taking risks, similar to how cliff dwellings are literally on the edge of cliffs).

Summary:

A cliff dwelling is a unique historical home built into cliffs, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient cultures.

Academic

Noun

1. a rock and adobe dwelling built on sheltered ledges in the sides of a cliff
   • the Anasazi built cliff dwellings in the southwestern United States