LESSER ANTILLES Meaning and
Definition
-
The Lesser Antilles refers to a group of islands located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. This archipelago stretches roughly from the Virgin Islands in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south, covering an area of approximately 500 miles. The Lesser Antilles can be further divided into two main regions: the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands.
The Leeward Islands are situated in the northern part of the Lesser Antilles and include popular destinations such as Anguilla, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Martin. These islands are called "leeward" as they are sheltered from the winds and currents of the Atlantic Ocean by Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
On the other hand, the Windward Islands are located in the southern part of the Lesser Antilles and include islands like Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada. These islands are referred to as "windward" as they face the prevailing northeastern trade winds.
The Lesser Antilles boast stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant cultures that attract tourists from around the world. Additionally, the region is known for its volcanic activity, with several volcanic peaks found across the islands. The islands collectively offer a diverse range of experiences, from luxurious resorts and water activities to lush rainforests and historical sites.
Common Misspellings for LESSER ANTILLES
- kesser antilles
- pesser antilles
- oesser antilles
- lwsser antilles
- lssser antilles
- ldsser antilles
- lrsser antilles
- l4sser antilles
- l3sser antilles
- leaser antilles
- lezser antilles
- lexser antilles
- ledser antilles
- leeser antilles
- lewser antilles
- lesaer antilles
- leszer antilles
- lesxer antilles
- lesder antilles
Etymology of LESSER ANTILLES
The term "Lesser Antilles" is composed of two parts: "Lesser" and "Antilles".
1. Lesser: The word "Lesser" in this context refers to "smaller" or "lesser in size". It is used to distinguish the islands known as the Lesser Antilles from the larger islands of the Greater Antilles.
2. Antilles: The term "Antilles" has its roots in the Spanish word "Antillas", which was used to refer to the islands Christopher Columbus encountered during his voyages in the late 15th century. The Spanish borrowed the word from the Italian "Antilla", which was the name of a legendary island described in various medieval works, including the geography of Ptolemy.
