river

The word "river" in French can be both a noun and a verb, and it has specific meanings:

As a noun: "Une rivière" means "a river," referring to a natural flowing watercourse, usually smaller than a "fleuve."

• "Rivière" designates a river that flows into another river or a lake.
• By contrast, "un fleuve" is a river that flows directly into the sea or ocean.

As a verb: The verb "river" means to fasten or fix something firmly, often by riveting (joining metal pieces using rivets). Example: "river une pièce" means to rivet a part.

Synonyms for the noun:

• "Fleuve": A large river flowing into the sea (e.g., Le Rhône).
• "Cours d'eau": A generic term for a watercourse (streams, rivers).
• "Ruisseau": A small stream, smaller than a rivière.

Differences between synonyms:

• "Rivière" is used for significant rivers but not those directly flowing to the sea.
• "Fleuve" is specifically for rivers that reach the sea.
• "Ruisseau" is much smaller, like a brook or creek.

So, depending on context, "river" can refer to a small or medium-sized watercourse ("rivière") or the action of fastening something solidly ("river" as a verb).