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Glite Dictionary
Garbage Island

Garbage Island

6.6
A large area of floating trash in the ocean carried there by currents
  • noun
  • /ˈɡɑːrbɪdʒ ˈaɪlənd/
translation icon : isla de basura
  • Scientists have been studying the environmental impact of the Garbage Island in the Pacific Ocean.

Examples

  • The sight of a floating Garbage Island shocked the crew during their journey.

  • The infamous Garbage Island is located in the Pacific Ocean.

  • Efforts to reduce plastic waste could help prevent the growth of another Garbage Island.

  • Many people are concerned about Garbage Islands in our oceans.

  • Scientists have identified Garbage Island as one of the largest concentrations of ocean debris in the world.

  • The volunteers worked tirelessly to clean up the Garbage Island that had formed near the coast.

  • Researchers are studying the effects of marine life on the pollutants found in Garbage Island.

Surface Forms

Garbage Island singular
Garbage Islands plural

Morphology

garbage + island

The meaning 'a large accumulation of floating waste' is directly and transparently inferred from combining 'garbage' (waste) with 'island' (a piece of land surrounded by water) — essentially an 'island' made of garbage. This compound-like naming follows common English composition patterns (and parallels in other languages), so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily understand the MWE.

Etymology

Garbage Island comes from the strong image of bits of garbage being pushed together by the sea until they form a thick patch that looks like an island. That's why the name is used for 'a large area of floating trash' in the ocean.