A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or other large areas of water. Often formed between two landmasses or islands.
From Old French 'estreit' meaning 'narrow,' derived from Latin 'strictus' (drawn tight). The word emphasizes the constricted, narrow nature of these waterways.
The Strait of Gibraltar is only 8 miles wide at its narrowest point, yet it's the only natural connection between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea! Many straits like this have controlled entire civilizations' access to trade routes.
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