- pronunciation:
- west
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jIn
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- features:
- Word History
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition: |
an eastern U.S. state northwest of Virginia. (abbr.: WV)
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| derivation: |
West Virginian (n.) |
West Virginia was part of Virginia until 1863. Forty counties formed a new state during the Civil War in order to remain part of the Union (the northern United States). Virginia was named for the "Virgin Queen," Elizabeth I of England.