continent Definition

continent¹
noun

1a. Any of the seven main land masses of the world, namely Europe, Asia, N America, S America, Africa, Australia and Antarctica;
1b. The mainland portion of one of these land masses.
2. The mainland of Europe, as regarded from the British Isles.

Form: the Continent

Etymology: 16c: from Latin, representing the phrase terra continens continuous land.

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continent²
adj

1. Able to control one's bowels and bladder.
2. Self-controlled, especially with regard to one's passions.

Etymology: 14c: see continence.