Coulee \Cou`lee"\ (k??`l?"), n. [F. coul['e]e, fr. couler to run or flow.]

A stream; (Geol.) a stream of lava. Also, in the Western United States, the bed of a stream, even if dry, when deep and having inclined sides; distinguished from a ca[~n]on, which has precipitous sides.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)