This is the 6059th most frequent French word.
détroit
A strait or narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water.
In this sentence, 'détroit' refers to a narrow passage of water between two larger bodies of water, specifically the Strait of Gibraltar.
Le détroit de Gibraltar sépare l'Europe de l'Afrique.
The Strait of Gibraltar separates Europe from Africa.
Here, 'détroit' again signifies a geographical feature, a strategic strait influencing the development of nearby settlements.
La ville s'est développée autour du détroit stratégique.
The city developed around the strategic strait.
In this example, 'détroit' describes a navigable water passage used by ships on a daily basis for transit.