embalse (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun (masculine)

Phonetic Transcription

/ɛmˈbalse/

Translation Options into English

• Reservoir
• Dam
• Retention basin

Meaning and Usage

The term "embalse" refers to a man-made body of water created to store water, typically for purposes such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, or water supply. It is frequently used in discussions related to geography, environmental studies, and engineering.

Frequency of Use

"Embalse" is used moderately, primarily in written contexts such as scientific articles, government reports, and educational materials, but it can also appear in oral speech, especially in discussions considering water resources.

Example Sentences

1. El embalse de la ciudad se llena durante la época de lluvias.
   The city's reservoir fills up during the rainy season.

2. Necesitamos revisar los niveles de agua en el embalse antes de la próxima sequía.
   We need to check the water levels in the reservoir before the next drought.

3. El embalse proporciona agua potable a más de cien mil habitantes.
   The reservoir provides drinking water to over one hundred thousand residents.

Idiomatic Expressions

Although "embalse" is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions, its relevance in environmental and economic discussions can lead to metaphorical uses relating to storage and management of resources. Here are examples of its usage in broader contexts:

1. Tener el embalse lleno
   To have the reservoir full
   Se siente seguro cuando tiene el embalse lleno de recursos económicos.
   He feels secure when he has the reservoir full of economic resources.

2. Vaciar el embalse
   To empty the reservoir
   La empresa decidió vaciar el embalse para realizar mantenimiento.
   The company decided to empty the reservoir for maintenance.

3. Construir un embalse emocional
   To build an emotional reservoir
   A veces es necesario construir un embalse emocional para protegerse de las decepciones.
   Sometimes it is necessary to build an emotional reservoir to protect oneself from disappointments.

Etymology

The word "embalse" comes from the Spanish verb "embalsar," which combines "en-" (in) and "balsar" (to contain water). The root "balso" is derived from "balso" which relates to the act of holding water or softening or containing a fluid, thus evolving into its current usage referring to a storage body for water.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Resérvoro - Represa - Acumulación de agua

Antonyms: - Desagüe (Drainage) - Vacío (Empty)

This in-depth overview provides a comprehensive understanding of the term "embalse" in both linguistic and contextual applications.