Galápagos Islands

[guh-lah-puh-gohs; Spanish gah-lah-pah-gaws] /gəˈlɑ pəˌgoʊs; Spanish gɑˈlɑ pɑˌgɔs/

noun

an archipelago on the equator in the Pacific, about 600 miles (965 km) W of and belonging to Ecuador: many unique species of animal life. 3029 sq. mi. (7845 sq. km).

Also called Colón Archipelago.

Spanish Archipiélago de Colón.

British Dictionary definitions for Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands

/ɡəˈlæpəɡəs; Spanish ɡaˈlapaɣɔs/

plural noun

a group of 15 islands in the Pacific west of Ecuador, of which they form a province: discovered (1535) by the Spanish; main settlement on San Cristóbal. Pop: 18 640 (2001). Area: 7844 sq km (3028 sq miles) Official Spanish name Archipiélago de Colón

Galápagos Islands in Culture

Galápagos Islands [(guh-lah-puh-gohs, guh-lap-uh-gohs)]

Groups of islands in the Pacific Ocean off South America, owned by Ecuador.

Note: The islands are known for their tortoises, penguins, marine iguanas, and other unusual animals.

Note: Charles Darwin visited these islands and gathered evidence that supported his theory of natural selection.