isthmus

Everyday

1. (geography) A narrow strip of land with sea on both sides that joins two larger pieces of land. tree →
2. (science) A narrow part joining two bigger parts in the body or in a plant. tree →

In the lessons

In geography lessons pupils learn the Isthmus of Panama (joining North and South America, cut by the Panama Canal), the Isthmus of Suez and the Isthmus of Corinth; New Zealand's Auckland stands on an isthmus. It is the opposite idea of a strait (narrow sea joining two seas). Phrases: the Isthmus of Panama, a narrow isthmus.

Examples

• The Isthmus of Panama joins North America and South America. tree →
• Auckland is built on a narrow isthmus. tree →
• A canal was dug across the isthmus so ships could pass. tree →
• On the map, the isthmus looks like a thin bridge of land. tree →
• The castle stood at the end of a rocky isthmus. tree →
• At high tide the isthmus almost disappears under the waves. tree →
• An isthmus joins two lands; a strait joins two seas. tree →
• At the isthmus of Corinth he was opposed by Atreus, the son of Pelops, who at the death of Eurystheus had inherited the kingdom. tree →

Note

Countable: an isthmus, isthmuses (rarely isthmi). Pronounced IS-mus — the «th» is silent in most accents. Trap: do not confuse with «peninsula» (land almost surrounded by water) or «strait» (narrow strip of water).