continent

²con·ti·nent

noun \ˈkän-tə-nənt, ˈkänt-nənt\

Definition of CONTINENT

1

archaic : container, confines

2

archaic : epitome

3

: mainland

4

a : one of the six or seven great divisions of land on the globe b capitalized : the continent of Europe —used with the

Examples of CONTINENT

1. The book provides information on hotels in Britain and on the Continent.
2. <Europe and Asia are sometimes considered together to be one continent.>

Origin of CONTINENT

in senses 1 & 2, from Latin continent-, continens, present participle of continēre, to hold together, contain; in senses 3 & 4, from Latin continent-, continens continuous mass of land, mainland, from continent-, continens, present participle

First Known Use: 1541

Related to CONTINENT

Synonyms: mainland, landmass, main

Related Words: subcontinent, supercontinent

Near Antonyms: island, isle, islet; atoll, barrier reef, cay, coral reef, key; cape, headland, peninsula, promontory

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