/bah rayn", -ruyn", beuh-/ , n.
1. a sheikdom in the Persian Gulf, consisting of a group of islands: formerly a British protectorate; declared independent 1971. 603,318; 232 sq. mi. (601 sq. km). Cap.: Manama.
2. the largest island in this group: oil fields. 265,000; 213 sq. mi. (552 sq. km).
Also, Bahrein .