Cyprus

[ sahy-pruhs ]

noun

1. an island republic in the Mediterranean, south of Turkey: formerly a British colony; independent since 1960. 3,572 sq. mi. (9,250 sq. km). : Nicosia.

Cyprus

/ ˈsaɪprəs /

noun

1. an island in the E Mediterranean: ceded to Britain by Turkey in 1878 and made a colony in 1925; became an independent republic in 1960 as a member of the Commonwealth; invaded by Turkey in 1974 following a Greek-supported military coup, leading to the partition of the island. In 1983 the Turkish-controlled northern sector declared itself to be an independent state as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus but failed to receive international recognition. Attempts by the UN to broker a reunification agreement have failed. Cyprus joined the EU in 2004. The UK maintains two enclaves as military bases (Akrotiri and Dhekelia Sovereign Base Areas), which are not included in Cyprus politically. Languages: Greek and Turkish. Religions: Greek Orthodox and Muslim. Currency: euro and Turkish lira. Capital: Nicosia. Pop (Greek): 838 897 (2011 est); (Turkish): 265 100 (2006 est). Area: 9251 sq km (3571 sq miles)

Cyprus

1. Island republic in the eastern Mediterranean Sea , south of Turkey and west of Syria . Nicosia is its capital and largest city.

Notes

People of Greek origin make up four-fifths of the population, and those of Turkish origin compose the other fifth. Conflict between the two led to a Turkish invasion that divided the island in the 1970s.

Other Words From

• an·ti-Cy·prus adjective
• pro-Cy·prus adjective

Example Sentences

As of Wednesday, there were suspected Ebola patients in hospitals in Cyprus, Rome, Brussels, Paris and London.

From The Daily Beast

The clearest precursor of this scenario was Helios Airways Flight 522 flying from Cyprus to Athens in August 2005.

From The Daily Beast

Turkey—and the northern half of Cyprus, occupied by its troops since 1974—have been largely left out of the Levant Basin boom.

From The Daily Beast

Cyprus and Greece, antagonized for decades by Turkey, were ideal candidates.

From The Daily Beast

Israel was also due to host the Cyprus air force in a multinational drill this month.

From The Daily Beast

Tanith also was a noted female deity, and was worshipped at Carthage and Cyprus by the Phoenician settlers.

From Project Gutenberg

First, she drew nigh divine Cythera, and thence came next to wave-washed Cyprus.

From Project Gutenberg

And it came to pass that, as we were seated over the Cyprus wine, we heard a knock at the door.

From Project Gutenberg

Amongst other arrangements to be made with the patron, 'Covenant that ye come not at Famagust in Cyprus for no thing.

From Project Gutenberg

A gold necklet found at Enkomi, in Cyprus, consists of a line of models of this Mycenaean shield.

From Project Gutenberg