Main Entry:

ar·ea

Pronunciation:

\ˈer-ē-ə, ˈā-rē-ə\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Latin, open space, threshing floor; perhaps akin to Latin arēre to be dry — more at arid

Date:

1538

1: a level piece of ground2: the surface included within a set of lines ; specifically : the number of unit squares equal in measure to the surface — see metric system table, weight table3: the scope of a concept, operation, or activity : field <the whole area of foreign policy>4: areaway5: a particular extent of space or surface or one serving a special function: as a: a part of the surface of the body b: a geographic region 6: a part of the cerebral cortex having a particular function

— ar·e·al \-ē-əl\ adjective

— ar·e·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb