insul
Latinisland
About This Root
From Latin īnsula (island). The metaphor of isolation connects all derivatives: insular (island-like, narrow-minded), insulate (isolate from surroundings, as if making an island), insulation, and insulator. Even insulin is named from the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Peninsula means 'almost an island.'
Associated Words · 7
insulation
Material preventing transfer of heat or electricity; the act of insulating
peninsula
A piece of land almost surrounded by water
insulin
A hormone that regulates blood sugar; used as a diabetes medication
insulate
To protect by preventing transfer of heat, electricity, or sound; to isolate
insular
Narrow-minded or isolated; relating to an island
insulator
A material that does not conduct heat, electricity, or sound
insularity
The quality of being narrow-minded or isolated from outside influences