peninsula

peninsula [-s] n

L. pæne-, almost + insula, island.

1. Island; dry land nearly surrounded by water.
2. Land; place; location.
3. [Fig.] solid earth; firm ground; sure footing.
4. [Fig.] safe haven; getaway; place of escape; distant location; place perceived to be cut off from what was previously known or experienced.
5. [Fig.] upper branch; high dwelling place in a tree; lofty arboreal region attached to the tree trunk by a narrow branch and surrounded by air.
6. [Fig.] great expanse of land; long distance; large obstacle.
7. Promised land; [fig.] desired reward.