1. A lake is a large body of water surrounded by land. It is usually freshwater and can be found in various parts of the world. Lakes are typically formed by a combination of geological processes such as glaciation, volcanic activity, or tectonic plate movement.

2. The word "lake" can be used to refer to any size of inland water body, from small ponds to gigantic bodies of water such as the Great Lakes in North America. These natural features are often admired for their beauty, and many people enjoy visiting lakes for recreational activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing.

3. In the English language, the term "lake" is used to describe this body of water. It is a commonly known word and is recognized worldwide. For example, some famous lakes include Lake Superior, Lake Baikal, and Lake Victoria. The word "lake" is used in both formal and informal contexts.

4. When referring to multiple lakes or a larger collection of lakes, the term used is "lakes." This plural form accounts for more than one lake in a given area. For example, the Great Lakes in North America consist of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario.

5. In contrast, "lake" refers to a single body of water. It can be distinguished from a river or an ocean by its contained nature. Lakes are often fed by rivers or underground springs and can have an outlet river to drain excess water. They provide important habitats for various plants and animals, and their ecosystems support a wide range of biodiversity.

In conclusion, "lake" is the term used to describe a single body of water, while "lakes" is used to refer to multiple lakes. These natural features are significant and contribute to the beauty and diversity of the Earth's landscapes.