Definition of continental shelf
:a shallow submarine plain of varying width forming a border to a continent and typically ending in a comparatively steep slope to the deep ocean floor
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continental shelf
noun
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Illustration of continental shelf
First Known Use of continental shelf
1892
CONTINENTAL SHELF Defined for English Language Learners
continental shelf
noun
Definition of continental shelf for English Language Learners
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: the part of a continent that lies under the ocean and slopes down to the ocean floor
Learn More about continental shelf
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about continental shelf
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