strait

1. N-COUNT/N-IN-NAMES You can refer to a narrow strip of sea which joins two large areas of sea as a strait or the straits. 海峡

An estimated 1,600 vessels pass through the strait annually. 估计每年有1600艘船经过这个海峡。

2. N-PLURAL If someone is in dire or desperate straits, they are in a very difficult situation, usually because they do not have much money. (常指缺钱造成的) 困境[adj N]

The company's closure has left many small businessmen in desperate financial straits. 该公司的关闭使得许多小商人陷入经济困境。