Strait: meaning, definitions and examples

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strait

 

[ streษชt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

geographical feature

A strait is a narrow body of water that connects two larger bodies of water. It is typically characterized by its narrowness and is often seen as a significant route for maritime navigation. Straits can be natural formations or artificially created, and they often have strong currents due to differing water levels in the connected bodies of water. Straits play a crucial role in marine ecosystems and international shipping.

Synonyms

channel, gap, narrow, throat, waterway

Examples of usage

  • The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Many migratory fish species travel through the strait during their life cycles.
  • The Bering Strait separates Russia and Alaska.
  • Strategic military operations often take into account control of key straits.
  • Local fishermen rely on the productivity of the strait's waters.

Translations

Translations of the word "strait" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น estreito

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเฅเคกเคผเคพเคต

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Meerenge

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ selat

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะพั‚ะพะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ cieล›nina

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆตทๅณก

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dรฉtroit

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ estrecho

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท boฤŸaz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ•ดํ˜‘

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุถูŠู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รบลพina

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ prieliv

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆตทๅณก

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ลพaliv

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sund

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑาฑา“ะฐะท

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ แƒฃแƒขแƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ estrecho

Etymology

The word 'strait' originates from the Old French term 'estreit,' meaning 'narrow', which in turn comes from the Latin word 'strictus', meaning 'tight' or 'compressed'. Historically, the term has been used since the late Middle Ages to describe narrow passages of water, often in relation to navigation and trade. The confluence of languages and cultures along these narrow waterways contributed to the evolution of the word. Straits have been significant throughout history for military strategy, exploration, and economic trade routes. This etymological journey highlights the importance of narrow bodies of water in shaping human geography and interaction.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,148, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.