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 continents

British Dictionary definitions for continents (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 continents (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 continents (3 of 3)

Continent
/ (ˈkɒntɪnənt) /

noun

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

Scientific definitions for continents

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.

Cultural definitions for continents

continents

The large parts of the surface of the Earth that rise above sea level. The seven major continents are Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.

notes for continents

Continents are made from the lightest rocks in the Earth. Some of these are also the oldest known rocks on Earth, with an age of 3.5 billion years, measured by radioactive dating.

notes for continents

According to the theory of plate tectonics, continents move along piggy-back on the tectonic plates like rafts floating on water.