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continent1

Pronunciation: /ˈkɒntɪnənt/

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Definition of continent

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).

continent in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of continent in the US English dictionary

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