First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1island
noun, is·land often attributive \ˈī-lənd\
Definition of ISLAND
1
: a tract of land surrounded by water and smaller than a continent
2
: something resembling an island especially in its isolated or surrounded position: as a : a usually raised area within a thoroughfare, parking lot, or driveway used especially to separate or direct traffic b : a superstructure on the deck of a ship (as an aircraft carrier) c : a kitchen counter that is approachable from all sides
3
: an isolated group or area; especially : an isolated ethnological group
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Origin of ISLAND
alteration (influenced by Anglo-French isle) of earlier iland, from Middle English, from Old English īgland (akin to Old Norse eyland), from īg island (akin to Old English ēa river, Latin aqua water) + land land
Other Geology Terms
2island
verb
Definition of ISLAND
transitive verb
1
a : to make into or as if into an island b : to dot with or as if with islands
2
: isolate
First Known Use of ISLAND
1661
Island
geographical name
ISLAND Defined for Kids
island
noun is·land \ˈī-lənd\
Definition of ISLAND for Kids
1
: an area of land surrounded by water and smaller than a continent
2
: something like an island in its isolation <We have a counter island in our kitchen.>
Medical Dictionary
island
noun is·land \ˈī-lənd\
Medical Definition of ISLAND
: an isolated anatomical structure, tissue, or group of cells
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