archipiélago

archipelago

noun ahr-chee-PYEH-lah-goh Rare

Origin: From Italian arcipelago, originally a name for the Aegean Sea, from Greek archi- (chief) + pelagos (sea).

Usage Note

Archipiélago denotes a group of islands, and the written accent on the e is required (common error is to drop it). Spain's archipiélago canario and archipiélago balear are familiar reference points. The word is considered a geographic term but is not restricted to formal use.

Examples

"Las Canarias forman un archipiélago frente a la costa africana."

Natural Translation

The Canary Islands form an archipelago off the African coast.

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