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A.Word.A.Day--strait

This week's theme: A medley of words

strait (strayt) usually used in plural

noun:
1. A narrow channel connecting two larger bodies of water.
2. A position of distress.

adjective:
1. Narrow.
2. Strict.

[From Middle English streit (narrow), from Old French estreit, from Latin strictus, past particle of stringere (to bind, draw tight). Ultimately from Indo-European root streig- (to stroke or press) that's also the source of strike, streak, strict, stress, and strain.]

"Given its budget straits, the city is unlikely to afford residents any more than an opportunity to go on the air, producing shows at their own expense."
Voice of the People Deserves Air Time; Indianapolis Star (Indiana); Jun 14, 2006.

See more usage examples of strait in Vocabulary.com's dictionary.

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