[is.land] n [alter. (influenced by OF isle) of earlier iland, fr. ME, fr. OE igland (akin to ON eyland), fr. ig island (akin to OE ea river, L aqua water) + land land] (bef. 12c) 1: a tract of land surrounded by water and smaller than a continent
2: something resembling an island esp. in its isolated or surrounded position: as a: a usu. raised area within a thoroughfare, parking lot, or driveway used esp. 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; esp: an isolated ethnological group
[2]island vt (1661) 1 a: to make into or as if into an island b: to dot with or as if with islands
2: isolate