Exclave is a noun that refers to a portion of a country or territory that is geographically separated from the main part of the country or territory. The spelling of the word "exclave" is pronounced as /ɛksˈkleɪv/. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word explains that the first syllable, "ex," is pronounced as /ɛks/ with a short e sound. The second syllable, "clave," is pronounced as /kleɪv/ with a long a sound. Together, the word exclave is pronounced as /ɛksˈkleɪv/.
An exclave is a geographical term used to describe a portion of a country that is geographically separated from the main part of the country by another territory or territories. It refers to a specific area that is surrounded by foreign territory and does not share a direct land border with its own country. The term exclave is often used to refer to territories that are politically or administratively dependent on the country to which they belong but are disconnected from the main body of that country.
Exclaves can arise for various reasons, such as historical factors, territorial disputes, or natural barriers like rivers or mountains. These isolated territories typically have distinct political, cultural, and economic characteristics from the mainland and may have unique governance arrangements. They are usually connected to the rest of their country by sea, air, or a narrow strip of land belonging to another country.
Exclaves can be found in different parts of the world, such as Kaliningrad in Russia, Cabinda in Angola, or Alaska in the United States. They often present challenges and complexities in terms of transportation, communication, and governance, as they require special arrangements to maintain their connection to the mainland and address the needs of their population.
An outlying, detached portion of a gland or other part, such as the thyroid or pancreas; an accessory gland.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "exclave" is derived from two Latin roots: "ex" meaning "out" or "without", and "clavis" meaning "key" or "bolt". The term was first used in the English language in the mid-19th century to describe a portion of a country or territory that is geographically separated from the main part but remains politically and administratively connected to it. The concept of an exclave can be traced back to ancient civilizations, but the term itself is a relatively recent addition to the English language.