Bab el Mandeb
A strait between Arabia, Asia and Horn of Africa, Africa, connecting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈbɑːb ɛl ˈmændɛb/
- IPA: /ˈbɑːb ɛl ˈmɑndɛb/
- Context: Southern England · Audio
Proper noun
- A strait between Arabia, Asia and Horn of Africa, Africa, connecting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean.
Synonyms: Mandeb Mandab Mandab Strait Strait of Mandab Mandeb Strait Strait of Mandeb Bab el Mandeb Strait Strait of Bab el Mandeb
Origin
From Arabic بَاب اَلْمَنْدَب (bāb al-mandab), meaning Gateway (Bab) of anguish, or Gateway of tears, as the strait derives its name from the dangers attending its navigation, or, according to an Arab legend, from the numbers who were drowned by the earthquake which separated Asia and Africa.