strait 
/ˈstreɪt/ noun
plural straits /ˈstreɪt/ noun 1 [count] : a narrow passage of water that connects two large bodies of water
▪ the Bering Strait — often plural ▪ the Straits of Gibraltar 2 straits [plural] : a very difficult situation
▪ Her campaign is in desperate straits. ▪ The company is in desperate financial straits. ▪ The economy is in dire straits.
▪ the Bering Strait — often plural ▪ the Straits of Gibraltar
▪ Her campaign is in desperate straits. ▪ The company is in desperate financial straits. ▪ The economy is in dire straits.
