This is the 2010th most frequent Portuguese word.
barragem
A "barragem" is a dam or barrier built to hold back water.
In this sentence, 'barragem' refers to a concrete or earthen structure built across a river or stream to manage water flow or create a reservoir.
A barragem foi construída para controlar a vazão do rio.
The dam was built to control the river flow.
Here, 'barragem' denotes a dam seen as a physical landmark in the landscape.
Durante a caminhada, avistamos uma barragem ao longe.
During the hike, we spotted a dam in the distance.
In this context, 'barragem' is used to mean a barrier or obstruction, showcasing a metaphorical application compared to its literal structural meaning.