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syrtis

noun
syr·​tis | \ˈsərtə̇s\
variants: or syrt \ ˈsərt \
plural syrtes\ -​rt(ˌ)ēz, -​rˌtēz \ or syrts

Definition of syrtis 

archaic

: quicksand, bog

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History and Etymology for syrtis

Latin Syrtis (from Greek), either of two inlets of the Mediterranean sea on the coast of northern Africa (Gulf of Gabès and Gulf of Sidra), known in classical times for their quicksands

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