Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A historical name for the island nation now known as Sri Lanka: "Ceylon" was the former name of the country in the Indian Ocean, used until 1972.
   • The island itself, located off the southeastern coast of India: "Ceylon" refers to the large island in the Indian Ocean.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Historical country):

  • Tea from Ceylon is famous worldwide. (This refers to tea produced in the region historically known as Ceylon.)
  • Ceylon gained independence from Britain in 1948. (This uses the historical name for the nation.)

• Proper noun (Island):

  • The island of Ceylon has a diverse landscape. (This refers to the geographical entity.)
  • He studied the flora and fauna of Ceylon. (This uses the name to identify the island.)

Advanced Usage

• Used attributively to describe products or styles originating from the region: The name "Ceylon" often persists in commercial and historical contexts.
  • Ceylon cinnamon is considered particularly fine. (This describes a type of cinnamon associated with the island.)
  • She collects stamps from the Ceylon era. (This refers to the historical period when the country used that name.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sri Lanka (Proper noun): The official name of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, adopted in 1972.
  • Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.
• Ceylonese (Adjective): Of or relating to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).
  • The museum has a collection of Ceylonese masks. (Note: "Sri Lankan" is the more common modern demonym.)

Synonyms

• Serendib: A very old Arabic and Persian name for the island.
• Taprobane: An ancient name for the island, used by Greek and Roman geographers.

Related Phrases

• Ceylon tea: A well-known commercial term for black tea produced in Sri Lanka.
  • She prefers the strong flavor of Ceylon tea.
• Ceylon sapphire: A term for sapphires mined in Sri Lanka.
  • The ring features a beautiful Ceylon sapphire.

Noun

1. a republic on the island of Ceylon; became independent of the United Kingdom in 1948
2. an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of India