island
- a tract of land completely surrounded by water, and not large enough to be called a continent.
- something resembling an island, especially in being isolated or having little or no direct communication with others.
- a raised platform with a counter or other work surface on top situated in the middle area of a room, especially a kitchen, so as to permit access from all sides.
- safety island.
- a low concrete platform for gasoline pumps at an automotive service station.
- a clump of woodland in a prairie.
- an isolated hill.
- Anatomy. an isolated portion of tissue differing in structure from the surrounding tissue.
- Railroads. a platform or building between sets of tracks.
- to make into an island.
- to dot with islands.
- to place on an island; isolate.
Origin of island
Related Words for island
peninsula, reef, archipelago, enclave, islet, isle, sanctuary, bar, shelter, retreat, key, haven, refuge, atoll, cayExamples from the Web for island
Contemporary Examples of island
But Krauss said that from the moment he and the other scientists arrived on the island, they never saw anything untoward.
Sleazy Billionaire’s Double Life Featured Beach Parties With Stephen HawkingM.L. Nestel
January 8, 2015
Let Jourdan Dunn be the first of many—not an island, or badge of self-congratulation.
They were able to purchase weapons and plot attacks on the island without much interference.
Of Cuban Spies, a Baby, and a Filmmaker: The Strange Tale of the Cuban FiveNina Strochlic
December 28, 2014
They were called La Red Avispa (The Wasp Network) and claim to have successfully foiled a number of threats against the island.
Of Cuban Spies, a Baby, and a Filmmaker: The Strange Tale of the Cuban FiveNina Strochlic
December 28, 2014
Today, as president, he constantly praises Fidel and Raúl in his speeches and frequently travels to the island.
Venezuela Says Goodbye to Its Lil Friend, While the Rest of the Continent CheersCatalina Lobo-Guererro
December 20, 2014
Historical Examples of island
She's sitting up nights to corner all the Amalgamated Hard-luck on the island.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
I wonder how it would seem to live on such an island as this?
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
He began to think busily, and finally resolved to go to the island and search for him.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
Feeling sure that there was no one on the island but himself, he thought he was deceived.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
And, of this island realm, he and his companion were the undisputed sovereigns.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
island
- a mass of land that is surrounded by water and is smaller than a continent
- See traffic island
- anatomy a part, structure, or group of cells distinct in constitution from its immediate surroundingsRelated adjective: insular
- to cause to become an island
- to intersperse with islands
- to place on an island; insulate; isolate
Word Origin for island
Word Origin and History for island
1590s, earlier yland (c.1300), from Old English igland "island," from ieg "island" (from Proto-Germanic *aujo "thing on the water," from PIE *akwa- "water;" see aqua-) + land "land." Spelling modified 15c. by association with similar but unrelated isle. An Old English cognate was ealand "river-land, watered place, meadow by a river." In place names, Old English ieg is often used of "slightly raised dry ground offering settlement sites in areas surrounded by marsh or subject to flooding" [Cambridge Dictionary of English Place-Names]. Related: Islander.
island
(ī′lənd)- An isolated tissue or group of cells that is separated from the surrounding tissues by a groove or is marked by a difference in structure or function.
island
- A land mass, especially one smaller than a continent, entirely surrounded by water.