Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • An island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea: A large island located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey and west of Syria and Lebanon.
   • A country on the island of Cyprus: A sovereign state comprising the island of Cyprus, though the island is de facto partitioned. The internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus governs the southern part, where the majority of the population is of Greek origin. The northern part is administered by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun (Island):

  • Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean.
  • We spent our vacation exploring the ancient ruins of Cyprus.

• Proper noun (Country):

  • Cyprus is a member of the European Union.
  • The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia.

Advanced Usage

• "The Cyprus problem" or "The Cyprus issue": Refers to the long-standing political conflict and division of the island between the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north.
  • Diplomats have worked for decades to find a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Variants and Related Words

• Cypriot (noun): A native or inhabitant of Cyprus.
  • The Cypriots have a rich cultural heritage.
• Cypriot (adjective): Of or relating to Cyprus or its people.
  • We enjoyed traditional Cypriot food.

Synonyms

• The Republic of Cyprus: The official name of the sovereign state.
• The island of Aphrodite: A poetic name for Cyprus, stemming from Greek mythology where the goddess Aphrodite was said to have risen from the sea near its shores.

Related Phrases

• UNFICYP: The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, established in 1964.
  • UNFICYP patrols the buffer zone between the two communities.
• Green Line: The demarcation line dividing the island, patrolled by UN forces.
  • The Green Line runs through the heart of Nicosia.

Noun

1. an island in the eastern Mediterranean
2. a country on the island of Cyprus; 80% of the people are of Greek origin and 20% or Turkish origin