Definition

1. Noun:
   • A narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas, with water on both sides: An isthmus is a geographical formation, a thin piece of land that serves as a bridge between two larger landmasses, separating two bodies of water.
   • A narrow anatomical part connecting two larger structures: In anatomy, an isthmus refers to a narrow, cord-like tissue that connects two larger parts of an organ or structure.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Geography):
  • The Isthmus of Panama connects North and South America.
  • The city was built on an isthmus between the bay and the ocean.
• Noun (Anatomy):
  • The isthmus of the thyroid gland connects its two lobes.
  • The surgeon examined the isthmus of the fallopian tube.

Advanced Usage

• "Isthmian" (adjective): Relating to an isthmus.
  • The isthmian canal was a major engineering project.

Variants and Related Words

• Isthmian (adj): Pertaining to an isthmus.
• Land bridge (n): A broader or more general term for a strip of land connecting continents, often used in historical geology.

Synonyms

• Neck (n): Used informally for a narrow connecting strip, especially in geography (e.g., the neck of land) or anatomy.
• Strait (n): A narrow passage of water connecting two seas. (Note: This is the aquatic counterpart to an isthmus; an isthmus is land, a strait is water.)

Related Phrases

• Cross the isthmus: To travel from one landmass to another via the connecting strip.
  • They planned to cross the isthmus by train.

Noun

1. a cord-like tissue connecting two larger parts of an anatomical structure
2. a relatively narrow strip of land (with water on both sides) connecting two larger land areas