the Isle of Man
/ði ˌaɪl əv ˈmæn/
/ði ˌaɪl əv ˈmæn/
(abbreviation IOM)
- a large island in the Irish Sea which is a possession of the British crown but has its own parliament, the Tynwald. The ancient language of the island is Manx and the people are sometimes referred to as Manxmen and Manxwomen. The Manx cat, which has no tail, is native to the island. The Isle of Man is also famous for the TT (Tourist Trophy) races for motorcycles which are held there, and for the fact that income tax is lower there than in other parts of Britain. The island's main town and administrative centre is Douglas.