galapagos islands

plural noun

1. an archipelago on the equator in the Pacific, about 600 miles (965 km) W of and belonging to Ecuador: many unique species of animal life. 3029 sq. mi. (7845 sq. km).

pl n

1. a group of 15 islands in the Pacific west of Ecuador, of which they form a province: discovered (1535) by the Spanish; main settlement on San Cristóbal. Pop: 18 640 (2001). Area: 7844 sq km (3028 sq miles)Official Spanish name: Archipiélago de Colón

Groups of islands in the Pacific Ocean off South America, owned by Ecuador.