strait

 Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++朗文当代英语 5++LDOCE 5++朗文 5++

Related topics: Geography, Geology, Oceanography

strait /streɪt/ ●○○ noun [countable]  1  (also straits [plural])SG a narrow passage of water between two areas of land, usually connecting two seas 海峡；〔狭窄的〕水道 the Bering Strait 白令海峡2  be in dire straits PROBLEMto be in a very difficult situation, especially a financial one 陷于极度的困境中〔尤指财务困境〕 After the war, the country’s economy was in dire straits. 战后该国的经济陷入困境。 The firm is now in dire financial straits. 该公司目前财务状况极度困难。

Examples from the Corpus

strait• Everton, to put it bluntly, are in dire straits.• Beyond the strait it was expected that we might encounter enemy submarines.• They were expelled, and replaced by an Athenian citizen colony, strategically placed to hold the straits of Artemision.• Smugglers have been plying the straits for years.• the Strait of MagellanOrigin strait (1300-1400) strait “narrow” ((13-20 centuries)), from Old French estreit, from Latin strictus; → STRICT

strait nounChinese  

a areas water between passage two of narrow Corpus

strait
strait /streɪt/ noun [countable]1. (also straits [plural]) a narrow passage of water between two areas of land, usually connecting two seas:
    the Bering Strait
2. be in dire straits to be in a very difficult situation, especially a financial one:
    After the war, the country’s economy was in dire straits.
    The firm is now in dire financial straits.

straitBrE /streɪt/ 🔊NAmE /streɪt/ 🔊 noun (also straits) [plural] (especially in the names of places 尤用于地名) a narrow passage of water that connects two seas or large areas of water 海峡；（连结两大水域的）水道◆the Strait(s) of Gibraltar直布罗陀海峡straits [plural] a very difficult situation especially because of lack of money （尤指经济拮据引起的）困境，境况窘迫◆The factory is in dire straits. 工厂岌岌可危。🔊🔊◆She found herself in desperate financial straits. 她发觉自己经济状况极为窘迫。🔊🔊