/ɪnˈsjuːlə, ɪnˈsjuːlə/ (in-SOO-luh, in-SOO-luh)

Definitions

1. noun

A small island, especially one that is part of a larger country or empire.

“The ancient Romans built a temple on the insula in the Mediterranean Sea.”

2. noun

In ancient Rome, a type of apartment building, typically a four-story block of flats.

“The Roman poet described the cramped insula as a symbol of urban poverty.”

3. adjective

Relating to or characteristic of an insula, especially in architecture.

“The ancient Roman architect designed an insula-style building with narrow corridors and small rooms.”