A PORTION OF THE OCEAN THAT'S ENCLOSED OR PARTLY ENCLOSED BY LAND
That could be a number of things... a gulf, an inlet, a cove.
a fjord, a sea and so on.
I see the same question was posted on Wiki answers and answers.com
a portion of the ocean that is enclosed or partly enclosed by land elevation
The term you are referring to is called a "sea." A sea is a portion of the ocean that is partially enclosed by land. There are several ways to determine the names and boundaries of different seas around the world. One way is to consult a reliable map or an atlas, which provides information about the seas, their locations, and boundaries.
To find a sea enclosed or partly enclosed by land, you can follow these steps:
1. Access a reputable world map or atlas either in physical or digital format. Reliable online map services like Google Maps or dedicated map websites can also provide the necessary information.
2. Locate the ocean or oceans closest to the landmass or continent you are interested in.
3. Look for areas where the ocean is partially enclosed by land. These can typically be identified by barriers such as peninsulas, islands, or the coastline itself forming an enclosed or partly enclosed body of water.
4. Once you have identified a partially enclosed body of water, it is likely to be a sea. You can cross-reference the name with the map legend or search engine to confirm its identity.
For example, the Mediterranean Sea is a well-known sea that is partly enclosed by the landmasses of Europe, Africa, and Asia. By referring to a map, you can see that it is bordered by the continents and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar.
Remember that seas can have varying sizes, depths, and shapes, so it's essential to consult a reliable map or source to accurately identify and understand the boundaries of a specific sea.