Dnieper

English

The Dnipro basin from space, highlighting the numerous reservoirs created during the Soviet era by hydroelectric dams

Alternative forms

• Dniepr, Dnepr, Dnipr
• Dneiper, Dneipr

Etymology

From French Dnieper, from Russian Днепр (Dnepr), from Old East Slavic Дънѣпръ (Dŭněprŭ), from Proto-Slavic *Dъněprъ, from Scythian/Old Ossetic (Sarmatian) *Dānu Apara ("Far River") or *Dānapr (“Deep River”). The former derivation would pair it with the Dniester (“Near River”), while the latter would refer to its lack of fords. Doublet of Dnipro and Danasper.

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈniːpəɹ/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈdniːpə/, /ˈniːpə/
• Rhymes: -iːpə(ɹ)

Proper noun

Dnieper

1. Synonym of Dnipro, a major river of Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, flowing into the Black Sea.

Usage notes

Formerly the more common name of Ukraine's major river, use can now sometimes be construed as outdated or a political statement. Alternatively, it can be used to distinguish the upper reaches of the river in Russia and Belarus as opposed to its lower course through Ukraine.

Anagrams

• pederin, red pine, repined, ripened

References

• “Dnieper”, in Merriam–Webster Online Dictionary.
• “Dnieper”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–present.
• “Dnieper”, in Collins English Dictionary.

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Portuguese

Proper noun

Dnieper m

1. Alternative form of Dniepre