brackish

[ brak-ish ]

adjective

1. somewhat salty or briny, as the water in an estuary or salt marsh, which is not as salty as the sea but saltier than a river:

   These brackish swamps are some of the state’s most important ecosystems.

2. distasteful; unpleasant:

   The coffee was brackish and stale.

brackish

/ ˈbrækɪʃ /

adjective

1. (of water) slightly briny or salty

brackish

/ brăk′ĭsh /

1. Containing a mixture of seawater and fresh water. Brackish water is somewhat salty.

Derived Forms

• ˈbrackishness, noun

Other Words From

• brack·ish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brackish¹

First recorded in 1550–60; from Dutch brak “salty” + -ish ¹ (in the sense “somewhat”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of brackish¹

C16: from Middle Dutch brac salty; see -ish

Example Sentences

The brackish, mineral flavors of the oysters are complemented perfectly by the tangy, nutty, earthy artichokes.

From Salon

Both a freshwater and brackish species, the golden mussel can tolerate wide ranges in salinity, temperature and pH levels, and cantravel much farther than people might think.

From Los Angeles Times

Researchers believe more rainfall and flooding may have caused some brackish lagoons to become less salty, a trend which favors capybaras, since the animals are semi-aquatic freshwater mammals.

From Salon

The fish thrive in brackish water, but can also survive in fresh and salt water.

From BBC

Not brackish at all, according to Berkowitz, who says the ducks dig in the soil for bugs, then bring the dirt into the water.

From Los Angeles Times