irredenta

[ ir-i-den-tuh ]

noun

1. a region that is under the political jurisdiction of one nation but is related to another by reason of cultural, historical, and ethnic ties.

Word History and Origins

Origin of irredenta¹

1910–15; < Italian ( Italia ) irredenta (Italy) unredeemed; irredentist

Example Sentences

One reason Italy joined the Allies in World War I was the hope of getting this “unredeemed Italy” — Italia irredenta — as spoils.

From Washington Post

“Well,” said he, “here is a toast in the meantime: ’Italia irredenta!’“

From Project Gutenberg

Italy, for instance, had made her military co-operation conditional on the promise of a large part of Dalmatia, as well as the terra irredenta, and Russia insisted upon having her claim to Constantinople allowed.

From Project Gutenberg

This turning of Russia into a vast "Turania irredenta" was certainly an ambitious order.

From Project Gutenberg

The Italian Nationalists saw in Austria the former oppressor, and still raised the cry of Italia irredenta for the recovery of the Italian districts of Tyrol, Istria, and Dalmatia.

From Project Gutenberg