strait

[ streyt ]
/ streɪt /

noun

Often straits. (used with a singular verb) a narrow passage of water connecting two large bodies of water.
Often straits. a position of difficulty, distress, or need: Ill and penniless, he was in sad straits indeed.
Archaic. a narrow passage or area.
an isthmus.

adjective Archaic.

Origin of strait

1150–1200; Middle English streit < Old French estreit < Latin strictus past participle of stringere to bind; see strain1

OTHER WORDS FROM strait

strait·ly, adverb strait·ness, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH strait

straight strait

Example sentences from the Web for strait

British Dictionary definitions for strait

strait
/ (streɪt) /

noun

(often plural)
  1. a narrow channel of the sea linking two larger areas of sea
  2. (capital as part of a name)the Strait of Gibraltar
(often plural) a position of acute difficulty (often in the phrase in dire or desperate straits)
archaic a narrow place or passage

adjective archaic

(of spaces, etc) affording little room
(of circumstances, etc) limiting or difficult
severe, strict, or scrupulous

Derived forms of strait

straitly, adverb straitness, noun

Word Origin for strait

C13: from Old French estreit narrow, from Latin strictus constricted, from stringere to bind tightly

Medical definitions for strait

strait
[ strāt ]

n.

A narrow passage, such as the upper or lower opening of the pelvic canal.

Scientific definitions for strait

strait
[ strāt ]

A narrow waterway joining two larger bodies of water. The Strait of Gibraltar, for example, connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean.