area

ar·ea

noun \ˈer-ē-ə, ˈā-rē-ə\

Definition of AREA

1

: a level piece of ground

2

: 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 table

3

: the scope of a concept, operation, or activity : field <the whole area of foreign policy>

4

: areaway

5

: 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

Examples of AREA

1. Settlers came to this area from the east.
2. The group visited the area during a hunting trip.
3. in the area surrounding the lake
4. The storm caused damage in many areas along the coast.
5. a bird found only in remote areas of the U.S.
6. in many areas of the world
7. He is the metropolitan area's most popular politician.
8. He lived in an unfashionable area of the city.
9. She set aside a work area in the kitchen.
10. The dining area has extra windows.

Origin of AREA

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

First Known Use: 1538

Related to AREA

Synonyms: region, demesne, field, zone

Related Words: corner, section; locale, locality, location, locus, place, point, position, site, space, spot

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Weights and Measures Terms

avoirdupois weight, calorie, denier, kip, pace, twain

Rhymes with AREA

Beria, feria, kerria, varia