How Do You Spell BUTTE?

Pronunciation: [bˈʌt] (IPA)

The word "butte" may seem simple to spell in English, but its pronunciation can prove tricky. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is represented as /bjuːt/. The initial sound is a voiced bilabial stop, followed by a high central vowel and a voiceless alveolar stop. Then, the final sound is a voiceless alveolar fricative. This word refers to a geographical formation, a narrow and steep hill with a flat top, commonly found in the western United States.

BUTTE Meaning and Definition

  1. A butte is a geological feature characterized by a steep, isolated hill or mountain with a flat top and steep sides. It is a type of landform that stands out prominently in a landscape due to its distinctive shape and composition.

    Typically formed through millions of years of erosion, a butte is usually composed of hard, resistant rock layers that are surrounded by softer, more easily eroded rock material. As the softer rocks wear away over time, the more resistant layers of the butte remain, giving it its distinct appearance.

    The top of a butte is generally flat, often expanding into a broad plateau, while the sides exhibit steep and often sheer cliffs or slopes. The height of a butte can vary, with some towering to hundreds or even thousands of feet above the surrounding terrain.

    Buttes can be found in various regions around the world, but they are most commonly associated with arid or semi-arid landscapes, such as deserts or plains. This association is due to the factors that contribute to their formation, such as wind and water erosion, as well as the type of rocks found in these environments.

    Due to their striking appearance, buttes have become iconic features in many landscapes, attracting tourists, hikers, and geology enthusiasts. They also often serve as important landmarks or points of reference in navigation and surveying.

  2. In the western parts of North America, detached hills and ridges which rise abruptly, intermediate in height between hills and mountains.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BUTTE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BUTTE

Etymology of BUTTE

The word butte originated from the French word butte, which means a small hill, mound, or hillock. The French term itself was derived from the Old French word bute, also meaning a small hill or mound. The etymology of butte can be traced further back to the Gallo-Romance word butta, meaning a heap or mound of earth. Ultimately, the term's origin lies in the Proto-Indo-European root *bheu- or *bhu-, which signifies to swell or to bulge. This root is also the origin of words like abut, buttress, and bouquet.

Similar spelling words for BUTTE

Plural form of BUTTE is BUTTES

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