can·yon [ kánnyən ](pluralcan·yons) or ca·ñon [ kánnyən ](pluralca·ñons)
noun
Definition:
deep valley: a deep narrow valley with steep sides, often with a stream running through it
[Mid-19th century. Via Mexican Spanish cañón< Spanish, "large tube" < caña "pipe" < Latin canna (see cane)]
Regional History
Canyon in the names of geographic features is a Western term, originally from Texas and extending through the Rocky Mountain states to the Pacific coast. It is rare in the East and Midwest, and absent from the Midlands and the South.
