Strait: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
strait
[ streษชt ]
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:
๐ต๐น estreito
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคกเคผเคพเคต
๐ฉ๐ช Meerenge
๐ฎ๐ฉ selat
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะพัะพะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ cieลnina
๐ฏ๐ต ๆตทๅณก
๐ซ๐ท dรฉtroit
๐ช๐ธ estrecho
๐น๐ท boฤaz
๐ฐ๐ท ํดํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุถูู
๐จ๐ฟ รบลพina
๐ธ๐ฐ prieliv
๐จ๐ณ ๆตทๅณก
๐ธ๐ฎ ลพaliv
๐ฎ๐ธ sund
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑาฑาะฐะท
๐ฌ๐ช แกแ แฃแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ dar
๐ฒ๐ฝ estrecho
Word origin
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.