Word: Northwest Passage
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: The Northwest Passage is a water route that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It runs along the northern coast of North America. Since the 16th century, European explorers have been looking for a shorter way to reach Asia, and the Northwest Passage was thought to be that route. It was successfully navigated by Roald Amundsen between 1903 and 1906.
"Many explorers dreamed of finding the Northwest Passage to shorten the journey to Asia."
In a more advanced context, the term "Northwest Passage" can also refer to discussions about climate change and its impact on shipping routes, as melting ice in the Arctic has made this route more navigable.
While “Northwest Passage” itself is not used in idioms or phrasal verbs, here are related idiomatic expressions: - "Chart a course": To plan a route or a strategy. - "Navigate through difficult waters": To deal with a challenging situation.
The Northwest Passage is an important historical and geographical term that refers to a specific water route.