ScienceJuly 18, 2026

navigability

/ˌnævɪɡəˈbɪləti/

Definition

The capacity of a waterway to be traversed by ships or boats, often restricted by siltation or debris.

Etymology

The word stems from the Latin 'navigabilis,' derived from 'navigare' (to sail). It entered English through Old French and Middle Latin to describe the ability to navigate a vessel.

In the news

In the article, the speaker mentions declining river navigability as a key factor that worsens flooding, as blocked or shallow rivers cannot effectively drain water away.

DHORA urges science-based flood management to tackle climate risks

Read the full article ↗

daily-sun.com

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