Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

Strait

 - 4 dictionary results

strait

  [streyt] ,
Use Strait in a Sentence
–noun
1. Often, straits. (used with a singular verb) a narrow passage of water connecting two large bodies of water.
2. Often, straits. a position of difficulty, distress, or need: Ill and penniless, he was in sad straits indeed.
3. Archaic. a narrow passage or area.
4. an isthmus.
–adjective Archaic.
5. narrow: Strait is the gate.
6. affording little space; confined in area.
7. strict, as in requirements or principles.
Origin:
1150–1200; ME streit < OF estreit < L strictus ptp. of stringere to bind; see strain 1

Related forms:
straitly, adverb
straitness, noun

Synonyms:
2. exigency, pinch, dilemma, predicament, plight. See emergency.

Antonyms:
2. ease.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Strait
strait   (strāt)   
n.  

  1. Abbr. Str. or St. A narrow channel joining two larger bodies of water. Often used in the plural with a singular verb.

  2. A position of difficulty, perplexity, distress, or need. Often used in the plural: in desperate straits.

adj.  

    1. Difficult; stressful.

    2. Having or marked by limited funds or resources.

    3. Narrow.

    4. Affording little space or room; confined.

    5. Fitting tightly; constricted.

  2. Archaic

    1. Narrow.

    2. Affording little space or room; confined.

    3. Fitting tightly; constricted.

  3. Archaic Strict, rigid, or righteous.


[Middle English streit, narrow, a strait, from Old French estreit, tight, narrow, from Latin strictus, past participle of stringere, to draw tight; see streig- in Indo-European roots.]
strait'ly adv., strait'ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

strait  (n.)
1352, "narrow, confined space or place," specifically of bodies of water from 1375, noun use of adj. strait "narrow, strict" (c.1290), from O.Fr. estreit (Fr. étroit) "tight, close, narrow" (also used as a noun), from L. strictus, pp. of stringere "bind or draw tight" (see strain (v.)). Sense of "difficulty, plight" (usually straits) first recorded 1544. Strait and narrow "conventional way of life" is recorded from c.1340 (see straight (adj.2)). Strait-laced is 1546, of stays or bodices; figurative sense of "over-precise, prudish" is from 1554. Strait-jacket is attested from 1814, earlier strait-waistcoat (1753).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

strait (strāt)
n.
A narrow passage, such as the upper or lower opening of the pelvic canal.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see Strait on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way