Etang
Etang is the French term for a pond or small lake. It denotes a shallow, relatively small body of standing water, often bordered by banks, reeds, or marshy vegetation. In common usage it is distinguished from a lac, which tends to be larger, deeper, and longer-lasting, while an étang can be natural or man-made and may vary seasonally in size and depth.
Etymology: The word étang derives from Old French estang, from Latin stagnum meaning "stagnant water" or "pool."
Formation and characteristics: Étangs arise naturally in depressions formed by geology, glaciation, or coastal processes, and
Ecology and use: Étangs provide habitat for amphibians, aquatic invertebrates, waterfowl, and a diversity of wetland
Toponymy and notable examples: The term appears in many French place names, reflecting historic or present