floating island
nounEtymology Calque of French île flottante.
1
An aggregation of driftwood and roots, or vegetation, capable of bearing soil, which floats on the surface of (bog or lake) water or is floated out from a river delta or similar.
- Such a floating island could carry small animals such as frogs, lizards, or rats, the resistant eggs of other animals, and specimens of plants not adapted to oceanic dispersal.2010, C. Barry Cox, Peter D. Moore, Biogeography: An Ecological and Evolutionary Approach, page 225:
2
A French cold dessert consisting of an "island" of meringue, made of egg whites and sugar, floating in a "sea" of custard.
3
Synonym of kitchen island.
- The floating island doubles as a place for the children to do their homework and eat meals.2006, Trends Very Best Kitchens & Bathrooms, page 69: