Definition

Proper noun * Formosa: An island in southeastern Asia, located approximately 100 miles off the coast of mainland China in the South China Sea. This is a historical name for the island now officially known as Taiwan.

Usage Notes

• "Formosa" is a historical and geographical term. In modern political and official contexts, the island is referred to as Taiwan.
• The name "Formosa" originates from Portuguese ("Ilha Formosa," meaning "Beautiful Island") given by explorers in the 16th century.
• It is used today primarily in historical texts, certain geographical descriptions, or in the names of some historical entities.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Formosan": (adjective) Of or relating to the island of Formosa/Taiwan.
  • The Formosan black bear is a subspecies native to the island.
• The term can appear in historical compound names, such as the "Republic of Formosa," a short-lived state in 1895.

Variants and Related Words

• Taiwan: The contemporary and official name for the island and its governing polity.
• Formosan: (adjective) Pertaining to Formosa; (noun, dated) A person from Formosa or a language of the indigenous peoples of Taiwan.

Synonyms

• Taiwan

Important Note

While "Formosa" and "Taiwan" refer to the same geographical island, their usage carries different historical and political connotations. "Taiwan" is the standard term in current usage.

Noun

1. an island in southeastern Asia 100 miles off the coast of mainland China in the South China Sea