[buh-hah-muh
z, -hey-] 
) | 1. | a group of islands in the W Atlantic Ocean, SE of Florida. |
| 2. | an independent country comprising this group: formerly a British colony; gained independence 1973. 262,034; 4404 sq. mi. (11,406 sq. km). Capital: Nassau. |
[buh-hey-mee-uhn, -hah-] , noun, adjective Ba·ha·mas (bə-hä'məz)  (click for larger image in new window) An island country in the Atlantic Ocean east of Florida and Cuba comprising some 700 islands and islets and numerous cays. The country gained its independence from Great Britain in 1973. Nassau, on New Providence Island, is the capital and the largest city. Population: 306,000. Ba·ha'mi·an (-hā'mē-ən, -hä'-), Ba·ha'man (-hä'mən, -hā'-) adj. & n. |
Republic in the Atlantic Ocean, consisting of 700 islands and islets and 2,400 smaller islands, called cays.
Note: The Bahamas were under the control of Britain until 1973, when they became an independent, self-governing state.
Note: The Bahamas are a popular winter resort.
