strait

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[edit] English

Sketch of a strait connecting two larger bodies of water.

[edit] Etymology

From Middle English streit, from Old French estreit (modern form étroit), from Latin strictus, past participle of stringere (to compress, tighten). Doublet of strict.

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Homophones

[edit] Adjective

strait

  1. (archaic) narrow; restricted as to space or room; close
    • 1866, Algernon Swinburne, Aholibah, lines 53-55
      Sweet oil was poured out on thy head
      And ran down like cool rain between
      The strait close locks it melted in.
  2. (archaic) righteous, strict
    To follow the strait and narrow

[edit] Usage notes

The adjective is often confused with straight.

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] Noun

Singular
strait

Plural
straits

strait (plural straits)

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  1. (geography) A narrow channel of water connecting two larger bodies of water.
    The Strait of Gibraltar
  2. A difficult position (often used in plural)
    To be in dire straits

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] Translations

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[edit] Anagrams