isthmus

[ is-muh s ]
/ ˈɪs məs /

noun, plural isth·mus·es, isth·mi [is-mahy] /ˈɪs maɪ/.

a narrow strip of land, bordered on both sides by water, connecting two larger bodies of land.
Anatomy, Zoology. a connecting, usually narrow, part, organ, or passage, especially when joining structures or cavities larger than itself.
Ichthyology. the narrow fleshy area between the sides of the lower jaw of a fish.

Origin of isthmus

1545–55; < Latin < Greek isthmós neck (of land)

OTHER WORDS FROM isthmus

isth·moid, adjective

Words nearby isthmus

isthmectomy, isthmian, isthmian games, isthmic, isthmoparalysis, isthmus, isthmus of auditory tube, isthmus of fauces, isthmus of thyroid, isthmus of uterine tube, isthmus of uterus

Words related to isthmi

collar, strait, cape, cervix, scruff, nape

British Dictionary definitions for isthmi

isthmus
/ (ˈɪsməs) /

noun plural -muses or -mi (-maɪ)

a narrow strip of land connecting two relatively large land areas
anatomy
  1. a narrow band of tissue connecting two larger parts of a structure
  2. a narrow passage connecting two cavities

Derived forms of isthmus

isthmoid, adjective

Word Origin for isthmus

C16: from Latin, from Greek isthmos

Medical definitions for isthmi

isthmus
[ ĭs′məs ]

n. pl. isth•mus•es

A constriction or narrow passage connecting two larger parts of an organ or other anatomical structure.

Scientific definitions for isthmi

isthmus
[ ĭs′məs ]

Plural isthmuses isthmi (ĭs′mī′)

A narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land.

Cultural definitions for isthmi

isthmus
[ (is-muhs) ]

A narrow strip of land that connects two larger bodies of land and has water on both sides.