n.
Pronunciation: ' ge-( ˌ )t ō
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural ghettos also ghettoes
Etymology: Italian, from Venetian dialect ghèto island where Jews were forced to live, literally, foundry (located on the island), from ghetàr to cast, from Latin jactare to throw ― more at JET
Date: 1611
1 : a quarter of a city in which Jews were formerly required to live
2 : a quarter of a city in which members of a minority group live especially because of social, legal, or economic pressure
3 a : an isolated group <a geriatric ghetto > b : a situation that resembles a ghetto especially in conferring inferior status or limiting opportunity <the pink-collar ghetto >