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Definition of isthmus

isthmus

/ˈɪs.məs/
isth · mus
Plural:isthmuses
•
Adjective:isthmian
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isthmus Lexical Profile

isthmus Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A relatively narrow strip of land, bordered on both sides by water, that connects two larger landmasses.

Example

"The Isthmus of Panama connects North and South America while separating the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans."

2

A narrow organ, passage, or piece of tissue connecting two larger parts of an organ or anatomical structure, such as the lateral lobes of the thyroid gland.

Example

"The surgeon carefully examined the isthmus of the thyroid gland to ensure there were no irregular nodules."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

isotoma
israel
istanbul
isthmus
itajai
itajaí
italy

Word Origin & Etymology

From Latin 'isthmus', derived from ancient Greek 'isthmós' meaning 'neck' or 'narrow passage'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Isthmus. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/isthmus
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