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 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