[kaw-kuh-suh
s] 
| 1. | the, Also called Caucasus Mountains. a mountain range in Caucasia, between the Black and Caspian seas, along the border between the Russian Federation, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. Highest peak, Mt. Elbrus, 18,481 ft. (5633 m). |
| 2. | Also, Caucasia. a region between the Black and Caspian seas: divided by the Caucasus Mountains into Ciscaucasia in Europe and Transcaucasia in Asia. |
| Cau·ca·sia (kô-kā'zhə, -shə) See Caucasus. |
| Cau·ca·sus (kô'kə-səs) A region between the Black and Caspian seas that includes southwest Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, and that forms part of the traditional boundary between Europe and Asia. Inhabited before 2000 B.C., it was the scene of countless invasions over the millennia. Conquered by Russia during the 18th and 19th centuries, the region has vast oil resources, which were a major German objective in World War II. Following the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the region became the site of various secessionist movements. |
Mountain range extending from the Black Sea southeast to the Caspian Sea, through extreme southern Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
Note: It forms part of the traditional border between Europe and Asia.
Note: Oil is its major resource. In World War II, the Germans tried to seize or neutralize this resource but were driven back by the Soviets.