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Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

gilgai en · NOUN

Pronunciation

  • /ˈɡɪlɡʌɪ/

Etymology

Borrowed from Gamilaraay gilgaay (“small water hole”).

Meanings

  1. (Australia) A small concavity or depression between ridges, where rainwater gathers.
    • One of its most remarkable features is its patterns of gilgai. The gilgais are small, almost circular depressions from a few centimetres to as much as 50 cm deep in the plain and several metres across. 2007, Richard Webster, Margaret A. Oliver, Geostatistics for Environmental Scientists, page 140:
    • Argilliturbation is manifested within Vertisol profiles and on the surface as gilgai microtopography, with relief exceeding commonly 15 cm (Fig. 10.35). 2005, Randall J. Schaetzl, Sharon Anderson, Soils: Genesis and Geomorphology, page 283:
    • Though it wasn′t a heavy storm it was enough to put water in gilgai holes and scatter the horses. 1988, Tom Cole, Hell West and Crooked, Angus & Robertson, published 1995, page 160:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
gilgais Number=Plur lexicographic

Synonyms

crab-hole · dead-men's grave · melon hole