noun
Fossa Magna
A geological term referring to the great rift zone that divides Japan into northeastern and southwestern parts. Used mainly in earth science contexts.
from Latin
フォッサマグナは日本列島を東西に分ける大きな地溝帯です。
The Fossa Magna is a large rift zone that divides the Japanese archipelago into east and west.
Variant spelling with an interpunct; less common but still seen.
From Latin 'fossa magna' meaning 'great ditch' or 'great rift'. The term was introduced into Japanese geology by Heinrich Edmund Naumann in the late 19th century.