Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
east-indies
Noun
/iːst ˈɪndiz/
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Definition
The East Indies refers to a region in Asia that includes the islands of Indonesia and Malaysia, historically rich in trade and cultural diversity.
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Examples
- The East Indies were a major source of spices in the 17th century.
- Many European powers competed for control over the East Indies during the colonial era.
- He traveled to the East Indies to study its unique cultures and languages.
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Meaning
The term ‘East Indies’ is often used to describe the lands that were part of the colonial trade routes, specifically the islands in Southeast Asia.
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Synonyms
- Malay Archipelago
- Indian Archipelago