island

[ ahy-luh nd ]
/ ˈaɪ lənd /

noun

verb (used with object)

Origin of island

before 900; Middle English iland, Old English īgland, īland, variant of īegland, equivalent to īeg island (cognate with Old Norse ey) + land land; spelling with -s- by association with isle

OTHER WORDS FROM island

is·land·ish, is·land·like, adjective is·land·less, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for island

British Dictionary definitions for island

island
/ (ˈaɪlənd) /

noun

a mass of land that is surrounded by water and is smaller than a continent
anatomy a part, structure, or group of cells distinct in constitution from its immediate surroundings Related adjective: insular

verb (tr) rare

to cause to become an island
to intersperse with islands
to place on an island; insulate; isolate

Derived forms of island

island-like, adjective

Word Origin for island

Old English īgland, from īg island + land; s inserted through influence of isle

Medical definitions for island

island
[ īlənd ]

n.

An isolated tissue or group of cells that is separated from the surrounding tissues by a groove or is marked by a difference in structure or function.

Scientific definitions for island

island
[ īlənd ]

A land mass, especially one smaller than a continent, entirely surrounded by water.