Ma Tsu

Proper noun

Matsu (usually uncountable, plural Matsus)

1. (error-lua-exec, usually) .
   • Matsu Islands
   • Like the Kinmens, the Matsu Islands are part of Fukien Province. A political affairs commission is the administrative organ, supported by the Lienkiang Hsien Government. They form the northern anchor of the offshore defense line and seal the mouth of the Min River.1959, Sampson C. Shen, editor, China Yearbook 1958-1959, Taipei, Taiwan: China Publishing Co., page 99

   Synonyms:

   Lienchiang

2. (usually) An island of Lienchiang County, Taiwan, also known as Nangan.
   • The steamer Lee Yuen, when about 30 miles from Foochow, abreast of Fuhyan, on her passage from this port to Foochow, carried away the lignum vitæ bush in the stern tube. She was beached for one tide under the lee of Matsu Island, for temporary repairs, and then proceeded to Foochow, where she has...1875 January 21, “Summary of News”, in North-China Herald and Supreme Court & Consular Gazette, volume XIV, number 402, Shanghai, →OCLC, page 47, column 2; republished as “SHANGHAI”, in London and...

   Synonyms:

   Nangan, Nankan

3. (usually) A strait between Beigan and Nangan in Lienchiang County, Taiwan (ROC).
   • The one landing strip in the Matsus, and good for light aircraft only, was on the second largest island, Peikan. Between Nankan and Peikan lay the Matsu Straits, a twisted riptide-torn channel, boasting freak winds and bouldered shores.1962, DeWitt S. Copp, “The Mudcats”, in The Odd Day, William Morrow and Company, →LCCN, →OCLC, page 60

See all 4 meanings of matsu