I. ˈī-lənd noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: alteration (influenced by Anglo-French isle ) of earlier iland, from Middle English, from Old English īgland (akin to Old Norse eyland ), from īg island (akin to Old English ēa 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
II. transitive verb
Date: 1661
1.
a. : to make into or as if into an island
b. : to dot with or as if with islands
2. : isolate