French Guiana

Medical Dictionary -> French Guiana

French Guiana


A French overseas department on the northeast coast of South America. Its capital is Cayenne. It was first settled by the French in 1604. Early development was hindered because of the presence of a penal colony. The name of the country and the capital are variants of Guyana, possibly from the native Indian Guarani guai (born) + ana (kin), implying a united and interrelated race of people. (From Webster's New Geographical Dictionary, 1988, p418 & Room, Brewer's Dictionary of Names, 1992, p195)


© MedicalDictionaryweb.com 2012 | Contact Us | Terms of Use | Teeth Whitening | Low Carb Foods and Diets