a mountainous island in the E Mediterranean, the largest island of Greece: of archaeological importance for the ruins of Minoan civilization. Pop: 601 131 (2001). Area: 8331 sq km (3216 sq miles)
Modern Greek name: Kríti
Crete in American English
(krit)
1.
Greek island in the E Mediterranean: 3,219 sq mi (8,337 sq km); pop. 540,000; cap. Iraklion
see also Krete, modern Gr. name Kríti
2.
Sea ofS section of the Aegean Sea, between Crete and the Cyclades