STRAITS OF MAGELLAN, a narrow passage between the island of Tierra del Fuego and the southern extremity of the continent of America. This passage was first discovered by Ferdinand Magellan, who sailed through it into the South Sea, and thence to the East Indies. Other navigators have passed the same way; but as these straits are exceedingly difficult, and subject to storms, it has been common to sail round by Cape Horn, rather than through the Straits of Magellan.