a Greek island in the SE Aegean Sea, about 16 km (10 miles) off the Turkish coast: the largest of the Dodecanese and the most easterly island in the Aegean. Capital: Rhodes. Pop (municipality): 55 086 (2001). Area: 1400 sq km (540 sq miles)
2.
a port on this island, in the NE: founded in 408 bc; of great commercial and political importance in the 3rd century bc; suffered several earthquakes, notably in 225, when the Colossus was destroyed. Pop: 41 000 (latest est)
Ancient Greek name: Rhodos Modern Greek name: Ródhos