isthmus

/ˈɪs.məs/

UK: /ˈɪz.məs/

ꞮS · məs (2 syllables)

English Noun

Definition

A narrow strip of land, bordered on both sides by water, and connecting two larger landmasses.

Etymology

Borrowing from Latin isthmus (“a strip of land between two seas”), from Ancient Greek ῐ̓σθμός (ĭsthmós, “neck, narrow passage”), possibly from εἶμῐ (eîmĭ, “to go”). Cognate to Old Norse eið (“isthmus”).