Strait (noun)

1. A narrow sea or ocean passage, especially one connecting two larger bodies of water.
2. A difficult or trying situation.
3. A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two other large areas of water.

Origin:

middle english (also in the sense "narrow passage, straits"): from old french estreit, from latin strictus "drawn tight, narrow", past participle of stringere.

Examples:

1. The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow passage of water that separates Europe and Africa.
2. She was in straits, she didn't have enough money to pay her bills.
3. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for the world's oil supplies.
4. The company was in dire straits and had to lay off many workers.
5. The Strait of Malacca is an important shipping route.