n.
Pronunciation: ' ī -l ə nd
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: alteration (influenced by Anglo-French isle ) of earlier iland, from Middle English, from Old English ī gland (akin to Old Norse eyland ), from ī g island (akin to Old English ē a river, Latin aqua water) + land land
Date: before 12th century
1 : a tract of land surrounded by water and smaller than a continent
2 : something resembling an island especially in its isolated or surrounded position: as a : a usually raised area within a thoroughfare, parking lot, or driveway used especially to separate or direct traffic b : a superstructure on the deck of a ship (as an aircraft carrier) c : a kitchen counter that is approachable from all sides
3 : an isolated group or area especially : an isolated ethnological group