Bes·sa·ra·bi·a (b s  -r  b -) A region of Moldova and western Ukraine. As the gateway from Russia into the Danube River valley, it was for centuries an invasion route from Asia to Europe. The region became part of Russia in 1812 but declared itself independent in 1918 and later voted for union with Romania, which was forced to cede it to the USSR in 1940. Bes sa·rabi·an adj. & n. |
Bessarabia [ˌbɛsəˈreɪbɪə]
n
(Placename) a region in E Europe, mostly in Moldova and the Ukraine: long disputed by the Turks and Russians; a province of Romania from 1918 until 1940. Area: about 44 300 sq. km (17 100 sq. miles)
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