continent

Definition

One of the main contiguous landmasses, separated by water or geological features, on the surface of a planet, sometimes including its continental shelves and the islands on them.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin continens, noun use of present participle of continēre (“to contain”).

Example Sentences

• "But I should turn mine ears and hear The moanings of the homeless sea, ⁠The sound of streams that swift or slow ⁠Draw down Æonian hills, and sow The dust of continents to be; […]"
• "No man is an Iland, intire of it ſelfe; euery man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; […]"
• "The carkas with the streame was carried downe, / But th’head fell backeward on the continent."