A small island, especially one in a river or near a shore; an islet or small piece of land surrounded by water.
From Old English 'īegað' meaning 'small island,' related to 'īeg' (island). The word evolved through Middle English 'eyot' and is cognate with 'eyot,' both referring to small river islands common in English geography.
The Thames River alone contains dozens of aits, many with charming names like Platt's Eyot and Corporation Island, some so small they disappear at high tide. These tiny islands often served as strategic positions in medieval times and today provide crucial wildlife habitats in urban river systems.
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