Syria

Syria (sir′ē ə)

1. region of ancient times at the E end of the Mediterranean

2. country in the NW part of this region, south of Turkey: formerly a French mandate, it became an independent republic (1944-58); united with Egypt to form the United Arab Republic (1958-61); union dissolved (1961): 71,498 sq mi (185,179 sq km); pop. 9,046,000; cap. Damascus