noun
isthmus
IS-mus/ˈɪsməs/
A narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas.
A narrow isthmus connects the peninsula to the mainland.
Etymology
The Greek word described a narrow passage or neck of land, especially the one at Corinth. This directly matches the geographical sense; its deeper origin is unknown.
In context
it is likely that instead of islands, a full isthmus between the North and South American continents had already likely formed where the Central American Seaway had been previously.
More examples
- The canal cuts across the isthmus.
- From the hill, we see water on both sides of the isthmus.
- The map marks two isthmuses along the coast.
Forms
isthmus · isthmuses
Similar words
- neck
- Neck can describe a narrow land connection or projection.
- land bridge
- Land bridge emphasizes a connection that allows organisms to cross.