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Glite Dictionary
Kra Isthmus

Kra Isthmus

9.1
A narrow strip of land in southern Thailand that connects the Malay Peninsula to the Asian mainland
  • proper noun
translation icon : istmo de Kra
  • The Kra Isthmus is considered the narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula.

Examples

  • The Kra Isthmus has played a key role in the region's trade routes for centuries.

  • Some proposals have suggested building a canal across the Kra Isthmus to connect the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

  • The Kra Isthmus is a vital geographical feature in Thailand.

  • Many tourists visit the Kra Isthmus for its natural beauty.

  • The Kra Isthmus connects the Malay Peninsula to the mainland of Asia.

  • The Kra Isthmus is known for its unique biodiversity and scenic landscapes.

  • Geographers study the Kra Isthmus to understand its impact on local ecosystems.

Synonyms

Isthmus of Kra
vsKra Isthmus
9.2

A narrow strip of land in southern Thailand linking the Malay Peninsula to mainland Asia

has identical meaning but uses the other word order

Surface Forms

Kra Isthmus main

Morphology

Kra + isthmus

The head noun 'isthmus' clearly denotes a narrow land bridge, and 'Kra' functions only as a place name. Even if a learner does not know 'Kra', a B1 learner who knows 'isthmus' will readily infer this refers to the specific isthmus called Kra, so the meaning is compositionally transparent.

Etymology

Kra Isthmus may come from a local word for a 'neck', and Isthmus means a narrow strip of land. This image of a land 'neck' helps explain why the name refers to the narrow land that connects the Malay Peninsula to the Asian mainland.