a large river of Asiatic Russia, formerly called by the name of Yaik. It received its present appellation in the year 1775. It has its rise in the Oural Mountains, in about 54° north latitude, and runs westward a great part of its course, after which it turns directly south, and falls into the Caspian, nearly in 47° north latitude, and 58° east longitude. It forms the boundary between the Kirghisses and the Baschkirs; has a rapid current, with a pure stream; and everywhere abounds with fish, the fisheries on its banks affording an inexhaustible source of wealth to the Cossacks. It has very steep and rocky banks whilst it is a mountain stream; but afterwards flows through a dry and saline plain.