What is the term for a bend in a river?

The term that refers to a bend in a river is "meander." Meanders are natural curves or bends that form in rivers as they flow over time, typically influenced by the water's movement and the topography of the land. This process occurs due to erosion on the outer banks and deposition on the inner banks, resulting in a distinctive snake-like pattern. The formation of meanders plays a significant role in shaping the landscape, impacting both natural ecosystems and human activities.

The other terms listed, while they may describe a form of bending or curving, do not specifically convey the same geographical and hydrological context associated with a river bend. "Curve," "arc," and "loop" are more general terms and do not capture the specific geological processes and characteristics that define a meander in river systems. Hence, the use of "meander" accurately describes the phenomenon as it relates to rivers.