continent1

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkɒntɪnənt/

noun

  • any of the world’s main continuous expanses of land (Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, Australia, Antarctica).
  • (also the Continent) the mainland of Europe as distinct from the British Isles: clubs sprang up in Britain and on the Continent
  • archaic a mainland contrasted with islands.

Origin:

mid 16th century (denoting a continuous tract of land): from Latin terra continens 'continuous land'

Spelling help

Remember that continent ends with -ent. It is often spelled with a capital C when referring to Europe ( clubs sprang up in Britain and on the Continent).