Narrows

/ˈnæroʊz/ noun

Definition

A place where a body of water like a strait or channel becomes very tight or confined between two areas of land.

Etymology

From Old English 'nearu' meaning tight or constricted. The word evolved from Proto-Germanic 'nauwaz' with the same meaning. The plural 'narrows' became the standard term for a geographical strait.

Kelly Says

The English Channel's narrowest point between England and France is only 21 miles wide—this gap was crucial in history, protecting England from invasion because crossing those narrows was incredibly difficult!

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