Aragon

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A historical region in northeastern Spain known for its mountainous terrain and medieval castles
2. A geographical area in Spain distinguished by its rich cultural heritage and notable historical figures
3. A prominent region in Spain celebrated for its unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance

Etymology: Aragon is a proper noun, and English took it straight from Spanish, where "Aragón" names the region of northeastern Spain. The region takes its name from the Aragon River, which rises in the Pyrenees and flows south through the area before joining the Ebro. The river gave its name to the valley and then to the wider territory, which grew into a kingdom of its own in the Middle Ages. Because the kingdom was once a major power in the Mediterranean, its name travelled far beyond the Iberian peninsula. English speakers mostly meet the name today in historical contexts, such as the "Crown of Aragon," the medieval union of Aragon with Catalonia and other territories, and in the name of the Spanish region itself. The English form is simply the Spanish name with the accent dropped.

Synonyms: Aragon