continent
continent Lexical Profile
continent Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of the world's main continuous expanses of land, conventionally recognized as Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.
"Asia is the largest and most populous continent on Earth."
British The mainland of Europe as distinguished from the British Isles (usually preceded by 'the' and often capitalized).
"Many British students spend a gap year traveling across the Continent before starting university."
• adjective
Able to control the physiological release of urine and feces from the body.
"Following several weeks of physical therapy, the elderly patient remained fully continent."
Exercising self-restraint and moderation, especially with regard to sexual desires or passions.
"The monastic order required its members to lead a strict, continent life devoted to prayer."
• Rhymes for continent
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French and Latin 'continens' ('holding together, continuous'), the present participle of 'continere' ('to hold together'). The noun sense derives from the Latin phrase 'terra continens' ('continuous land').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.