isthmus

isth·mus | \ ˈi-sməs

How to pronounce isthmus (audio)

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Definition of isthmus

1 : a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas

2 : a narrow anatomical part or passage connecting two larger structures or cavities

Examples of isthmus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web All field operations ceased, though a few exceptions were made, such as servicing the barrier along the isthmus to prevent re-invasions. — Mara Johnson-groh, Popular Science, "New Zealand’s bold rat-control campaign sees its first wave of successes," 26 May 2020 Wellington hopes to be the world’s first capital city without invasive predators within 10 years—a goal that started on the Miramar Peninsula, separated from the rest of the city by an isthmus less than a mile across. — Mara Johnson-groh, Wired, "The Quest to Purge New Zealand of Invasive Predators," 30 May 2020 Wellington hopes to be the world’s first capital city without invasive predators within 10 years—a goal that started on the Miramar Peninsula, separated from the rest of the city by an isthmus less than a mile across. — Mara Johnson-groh, Popular Science, "New Zealand’s bold rat-control campaign sees its first wave of successes," 26 May 2020 In 1904, the United States and Panama proclaimed a treaty under which the US agreed to undertake efforts to build a ship canal across the Panama isthmus. — BostonGlobe.com, "This day in history," 26 Feb. 2020 Surrounded by private land and located on a narrow isthmus between Puget Sound, hunting near Lake Washington is limited, but fishing sure isn’t. — Joseph Albanese, Outdoor Life, "13 of the Best Public Lands Near Big Cities," 9 Mar. 2020 Its downtown is between two lakes, Mendota and Monona, making Madison one of only two major U.S. cities built on an isthmus (the other is Seattle). — Jessica Flint, WSJ, "Madison’s Real-Estate Market Gets an Epic Lift," 11 Feb. 2020 The country of Panama, on the isthmus that connects Central America and South America, confirmed its first case of coronavirus on Monday. — John Bacon, USA TODAY, "Coronavirus updates: US death toll rises to 26 as WHO warns of 'very real' pandemic threat," 10 Mar. 2020 In 1904: The United States and Panama proclaimed a treaty under which the U.S. agreed to undertake efforts to build a ship canal across the Panama isthmus. — oregonlive, "Man found dead at 9,400 feet on Mount Hood: Morning Briefing for Wednesday, Feb. 26," 26 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'isthmus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

17 Jun 2020

Cite this Entry

“Isthmus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isthmus. Accessed 4 Aug. 2020.

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More Definitions for isthmus

isthmus

noun

English Language Learners Definition of isthmus

: a narrow area of land that connects two larger land areas

See the full definition for isthmus in the English Language Learners Dictionary

isthmus

isth·mus | \ ˈi-sməs

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Kids Definition of isthmus

: a narrow strip of land separating two bodies of water and connecting two larger areas of land

isthmus

isth·mus | \ ˈis-məs

\

Medical Definition of isthmus

: a contracted anatomical part or passage connecting two larger structures or cavities: as

a : an embryonic constriction separating the midbrain from the hindbrain

b : the lower portion of the uterine corpus

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