ˈsərd.ə̇s noun
or syrt ˈsərt
( plural syr·tes -rd.(ˌ)ēz, -rˌtēz ; or syrts )
Etymology: Latin Syrtis (from Greek), either of two inlets of the Mediterranean sea on the coast of northern Africa (Gulf of Gabès and Gulf of Sidra), known in classical times for their quicksands
archaic : quicksand , bog