Tris·tan da Cun·ha (tr s t n d k  n) An island and volcanic island group of the southern Atlantic Ocean between southern Africa and southern South America. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1506, the islands were annexed by Great Britain in 1816 and are now administered as a dependency of St. Helena. |
Tristan da Cunha [ˈtrɪstən də ˈkuːnjə]
n
(Placename) a group of four small volcanic islands in the S Atlantic, about halfway between South Africa and South America: comprises the main island of Tristan and the uninhabited islands of Gough, Inaccessible, and Nightingale; discovered in 1506 by the Portuguese admiral Tristão da Cunha; annexed to Britain in 1816; whole population of Tristan evacuated for two years after the volcanic eruption of 1961. Pop.: 288 (1994 est.). Area: about 100 sq. km (40 sq. miles)
Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|