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Glite Dictionary
Torres Strait

Torres Strait

7.0
A narrow sea channel between northeastern Australia and southern New Guinea
  • proper noun
translation icon : Estrecho de Torres
  • The Torres Strait separates Australia from Papua New Guinea.

Examples

  • Many ships pass through the Torres Strait on their way between Australia and Asia.

  • The islands in the Torres Strait are inhabited by Indigenous Torres Strait Islanders.

  • The Torres Strait is home to a diverse range of marine life.

  • Many fish species thrive in the waters of the Torres Strait.

  • The Torres Strait separates Australia from New Guinea and serves as a vital waterway for shipping.

  • Many islands dot the Torres Strait, each with unique cultures and traditions.

  • The marine life in the Torres Strait is diverse, attracting researchers and tourists alike.

Surface Forms

Torres Strait main

Morphology

Torres + strait

The head noun 'strait' clearly conveys the core meaning (a narrow sea channel), and 'Torres' functions as a proper name identifying which strait. While 'Torres' does not supply additional semantic content, the pattern [Name + noun] is compositionally transparent so a B1 learner who knows 'strait' will understand this is a particular strait called Torres, even if they do not know its precise location.

Etymology

Torres Strait takes its name from a Spanish sailor, Luis Váez de Torres, who sailed through the narrow channel between Australia and New Guinea in 1606. His name was given to the Strait, so today Torres Strait means that stretch of water.