continent

[ kon-tn-uh nt ]
/ ˈkɒn tn ənt /

noun

adjective

Origin of continent

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin continent- (stem of continēns, present participle of continēre to contain), equivalent to con- con- + -tin-, combining form of ten- hold + -ent- -ent

OTHER WORDS FROM continent

un·con·ti·nent, adjective un·con·ti·nent·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for continent

British Dictionary definitions for continent (1 of 3)

continent 1
/ (ˈkɒntɪnənt) /

noun

one of the earth's large land masses (Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, North and South America, and Antarctica)
that part of the earth's crust that rises above the oceans and is composed of sialic rocks. Including the continental shelves, the continents occupy 30 per cent of the earth's surface
obsolete
  1. mainland as opposed to islands
  2. a continuous extent of land

Derived forms of continent

continental (ˌkɒntɪˈnɛntəl), adjective continentally, adverb

Word Origin for continent

C16: from the Latin phrase terra continens continuous land, from continēre; see contain

British Dictionary definitions for continent (2 of 3)

continent 2
/ (ˈkɒntɪnənt) /

adjective

able to control urination and defecation
exercising self-restraint, esp from sexual activity; chaste

Derived forms of continent

continence or continency, noun continently, adverb

Word Origin for continent

C14: from Latin continent-, present participle of continēre; see contain

British Dictionary definitions for continent (3 of 3)

Continent
/ (ˈkɒntɪnənt) /

noun

the Continent the mainland of Europe as distinguished from the British Isles

Scientific definitions for continent

continent
[ kŏntə-nənt ]

One of the seven great landmasses of the Earth. The continents are Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.