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Idaho

I·da·ho

Idaho

 
pronunciation:
aI d ho
features:
Word History
part of speech: noun
definition: a state in the northwestern United States. Its capital is Boise. (abbreviated: ID)
 
derivations: Idahoan (adj.), Idahoan (n.)
Word History
The name Idaho was invented in 1860 by George Willing, a spokesman for western mining companies. He suggested "Idaho" as a name for what became Colorado because it sounded like an Indian word and Indian place names were popular then. He said Idaho meant "gem of the mountains." Congress rejected "Idaho" as a name for the Colorado Territory, but approved it for the Idaho Territory in 1863.