gulf

 
Pronunciation: /gʌlf/

noun

  • 1a deep inlet of the sea almost surrounded by land, with a narrow mouth.
  • (the Gulf)informal name for Persian Gulf.
  • 2a deep ravine, chasm, or abyss.
  • 3a large difference or division between two people or groups, or between viewpoints, concepts, or situations: the widening gulf between the rich and the poor

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French golfe, from Italian golfo, based on Greek kolpos 'bosom, gulf'