îlot

small island, islet

noun ee-LOH Rare

Origin: Old French isle (island) + diminutive -ot

Also means

city block, isolated cluster

Usage Note

Îlot is the diminutive of île (island) and denotes a small islet. In urban planning and everyday language it also refers to a city block (un îlot d'habitation) or an isolated cluster of buildings or vegetation. The final -t is silent. Îlot de chaleur urbain (urban heat island) is a current environmental term.

Examples

"Un petit îlot rocheux surgissait de la mer."

Natural Translation

A small rocky islet rose from the sea.

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