An oxbow is a U-shaped metal pole that fits the underside and the sides of the neck of an ox or bullock. A bow pin holds it in place. The term "oxbow" is widely used to refer to a U-shaped meander in a river, sometimes cut off from the modern course of the river that formed it.

What is oxbow?

An oxbow wetland is a meander of a stream, river or creek, that has become separated from the flow of water. ... The area is cleared of obstructions and the u-shaped oxbow is excavated.

Where does the name oxbow come from?

An oxbow lake gets its name from the U-shaped collar placed around an oxs neck to which a plow is attached. It can also be called a horseshoe lake, a loop lake, or a cutoff lake.