What is meant by a panhandle?

A panhandle refers to a long, narrow strip of land that protrudes from the main body of a larger area. This definition is often used in geographic contexts to describe regions that extend in a unique shape, resembling a handle on a pan. The term is commonly applied to states in the United States that have this particular geographic feature, such as the Oklahoma Panhandle. By understanding this definition, it's clear why the first choice is the correct answer, as it directly describes the shape and layout of a panhandle in terms of land formation.

The other aspects mentioned in the remaining choices do not align with the concept of a panhandle. Water bodies, highland areas, and agricultural regions refer to distinct geographic features that do not describe the protruding land formation that a panhandle represents. Hence, those options do not fit the definition accurately.