mare clausum

noun

ma·​re clau·​sum ˈmär-(ˌ)ā-ˈklau̇-səm How to pronounce mare clausum (audio) -ˈklȯ- How to pronounce mare clausum (audio)
: a navigable body of water (such as a sea) that is under the jurisdiction of one nation and is closed to other nations

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, closed sea

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mare clausum was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near mare clausum

Cite this Entry

“Mare clausum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mare%20clausum. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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