San Salvador Island

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Spanish isla San Salvador, given by Christopher Columbus in thanks to Jesus Christ for surviving his first voyage. The identity of the Bahaman island that currently bears the name with Columbus's island is still highly contested. The Ecuadorian island was renamed in honor of Columbus's in 1892 as part of the quadricentennial celebration of his voyage.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˌsæn ˈsælvədɔːɹ ˈaɪlənd/

Proper noun

San Salvador Island

  1. (historical) The first island discovered by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage.
  2. An island of the Bahamas, possibly the same as Columbus's island.
  3. A district of the Bahamas.
  4. (historical) Former name of Santiago: an island of Galapagos, Ecuador.

Synonyms

  • (Columbus's island): Guanahani (Lucayan name)
  • (Bahamian island): Watlings Island

Translations