ford
UK: fɔːd | US: fɔːrd
n. a shallow place in a river or stream where it is possible to cross
vt. to cross a river or stream at a shallow place
The word "ford" traces back to Old English ford, meaning "a shallow place in water where one can cross." It shares roots with Proto-Germanic furduz and Proto-Indo-European pértus, derived from per- ("to cross, pass through"). The term has retained its core meaning over centuries, reflecting its practical use in describing natural crossing points. Unlike many modern words, "ford" remains monomorphic—its spelling and meaning are indivisible, rooted in ancient geographic necessity.
The travelers found a safe ford to cross the river.
The army forded the stream at dawn.
Heavy rains made the ford impassable.
Ancient trade routes often relied on known fords.
The map marked all major fords in the region.