New River
/ˌnjuː ˈrɪv.ər/noun
A river or watercourse named for being newly discovered, newly formed, or newly distinguished from another river.
Did you know?The word “river” entered English through Old French from Latin riparia, originally meaning “of the riverbank,” while “new” reaches back to the Proto-Indo-European root for fresh or novel.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*néwos
“New, fresh, or recently made; the ancient source of English “new.””
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*rei-
“To scratch, tear, or flow; a proposed ancient root connected with words for movement and streams.”
Old English
Old English
nīwe
“New or recent; the ancestor of modern English “new.””
Latin
Latin
novus; riparia
“Novus meant “new,” while riparia meant “of the riverbank” or “riverine.””
Old French
Old French
nouvel; rivière
“Nouvel meant “new,” and rivière referred to a river or flowing watercourse.”
Middle English
English
newe ryver
“A newly recognized or named river; the two ordinary words began appearing together in descriptive and place names.”
Modern English
English
New River
“A descriptive phrase or proper name applied to various rivers and waterways.”