Insular
Origin
From Latin insularis ("of or belonging to an island"), from insula ("an island"), perhaps, from in ("in") + salum ("the main sea").
Full definition of insular
Adjective
insular
- Of, pertaining to, being, or resembling an island or islands.
- 1836, Washington Irving, Astoria, ch. 6:With these he held undisputed sway over his insular domains, and carried on intercourse with the chiefs or governors whom he had placed in command of the several islands.
- Situated on an island.
- 1851, Herman Melville, Moby-Dick, ch. 1:There now is your insular city of the Manhattoes, belted round by wharves as Indian isles by coral reefs.
- Separate or isolated from the surroundings; having little interaction with external parties; provincial.
- 1903, Jack London, Call of the Wild, ch. 1:He had a fine pride in himself, was even a trifle egotistical, as country gentlemen sometimes become because of their insular situation.
- Having an inward-looking, standoffish, or withdrawn manner.
- 1905, E. M. Forster, Where Angels Fear to Tread, ch. 6:Harriet was fretful and insular. Miss Abbott was pleasant, and insisted on praising everything.
- Relating to the insula in the brain.