isthmus

[ is-muhs ]

noun

, plural isth·mus·es, isth·mi [is, -mahy].

1. a narrow strip of land, bordered on both sides by water, connecting two larger bodies of land.
2. Anatomy, Zoology. a connecting, usually narrow, part, organ, or passage, especially when joining structures or cavities larger than itself.
3. Ichthyology. the narrow fleshy area between the sides of the lower jaw of a fish.

isthmus

/ ˈɪsməs /

noun

1. a narrow strip of land connecting two relatively large land areas
2. anatomy
   1. a narrow band of tissue connecting two larger parts of a structure
   2. a narrow passage connecting two cavities

isthmus

/ ĭs′məs /

, Plural isthmuses ĭs′mī′

1. A narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land.

isthmus

1. A narrow strip of land that connects two larger bodies of land and has water on both sides.

Derived Forms

• ˈisthmoid, adjective

Other Words From

• isthmoid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of isthmus¹

1545–55; < Latin < Greek isthmós neck (of land)

Word History and Origins

Origin of isthmus¹

C16: from Latin, from Greek isthmos

Example Sentences

At the turn of the century, the United States embarked on the project of building a canal across the isthmus of Panama, hoping to carve a faster transcontinental shipping route and to cement the United States’ strategic dominance in the region.

From Washington Post

For example, on Saunders Island on the Falkland Islands, I was in an area called the Neck, a little isthmus.

From Washington Post

Eleventh place is quite the crowning achievement for the little isthmus—especially considering the low quality offerings.

From The Daily Beast

Is it really possible that we were once so wrapped around that isthmus?

From The Daily Beast

In the Shafrazi island, Warhol and Basquiat are up on this little isthmus together, a little spit of land.

From The Daily Beast

The only thing it rhymes with is isthmus, and that but loosely.

From The Daily Beast

Lionel Wafer in his travels upon the Isthmus of Darien in 1699 saw the plant growing and cultivated by the natives.

From Project Gutenberg

Continet hic Isthmus leucas admod quingentas circuitu suo, emque occupant Soriqui populi.

From Project Gutenberg

In this Isthmus is port royal, where we are now sojourning, lying on the parallel of 44 40'.

From Project Gutenberg

This Isthmus has a circuit of fully five hundred leagues and is occupied by the Soriquois tribe.

From Project Gutenberg

The town of the same name lies in the midst of a small plain, which forms the half of an isthmus.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• collar