Minnesota

Part of speech: proper noun

Definitions

1. A state in the Midwestern United States known for its lakes, cold winters, and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul as its major urban centers
2. A U.S. region characterized by vast freshwater bodies, significant Scandinavian heritage, and a climate featuring harsh winters and mild summers
3. An area located in the northern central part of the United States famous for outdoor activities, the Mississippi River's source, and a strong tradition of environmental conservation

Etymology: The name comes from the Dakota language, not Lakota as the source's wording might suggest in passing: the river that gives the state its name was called "mní šóta," meaning "cloudy water." The reference is to the Minnesota River, whose waters carry heavy silt and look milky, a sharp contrast with the clear streams of the surrounding country. The name was attached to a region long before it became a state. When the territory was organized, the river's name was chosen for the new political unit, so a description of muddy water became the label for a land of lakes, forests and prairie. The reversal is striking: the state now promotes itself as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," a claim built on clear water, while its name records the one river that was not clear.

Synonyms: Minnesota (U.S. state)