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

Example sentences from the Web for isthmus

British Dictionary definitions for isthmus

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 isthmus

isthmus
[ ĭsməs ]

n. pl. isth•mus•es

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

Scientific definitions for isthmus

isthmus
[ ĭsməs ]

Plural isthmuses isthmi (ĭsmī′)

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

Cultural definitions for isthmus

isthmus
[ (is-muhs) ]

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