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

Perhaps to that end, López Obrador announced Friday that Mexico plans to extend a cargo train line that spans a narrow isthmus its the south to the Guatemalan border.

From Seattle Times

The migrant route through the narrow isthmus grew exponentially in popularity in recent years with the help of organized crime in Colombia, making it an affordable, if dangerous, land route for hundreds of thousands.

From Seattle Times

Many gay and trans people in Mexico City and elsewhere call themselves muxes — though community leaders here, concerned about cultural appropriation, say only Zapotec people from the isthmus can qualify.

From Los Angeles Times

It is known as the 'gap' on Panama's Darien isthmus because it is the only missing section, running about 60 miles, on the Pan-American highway that stretches from Alaska to Argentina.

From Reuters

The Crimean Peninsula extends south from Ukraine’s mainland, with road connections on two isthmuses, one of which is less than 1 mile wide, and by a bridge from a narrow spit.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• collar