Nairobi

Part of speech: noun, proper noun

Definitions

1. A vibrant city in Kenya renowned for its diverse culture and rich history
2. The capital and largest city of Kenya, known for its wildlife parks and bustling urban life
3. An important economic and political center in East Africa, symbolizing a blend of modernity and tradition

Etymology: The city takes its name from a river, and the river's name is a Maasai phrase meaning "cold water." The Maasai term "enkare nyrobi" describes a stream that runs cool, a welcome thing on the dry plains where the Maasai herded their cattle. The Nairobi River flows through the area that later became the city, and the name of the water was eventually given to the settlement that grew beside it. Nairobi itself is a case of a place name travelling from a natural feature to a human settlement. The name was borrowed into English and other languages as the city expanded from a modest rail-and-trading post into the capital of Kenya, so the word now refers mainly to the metropolis rather than to the stream.

Synonyms: capital of Kenya, Kenyan city, East African city, metropolis, urban center