supercontinent

Definition

A very large continent that split into smaller ones in the Earth’s geologic past.

Etymology

From super- + continent.

Example Sentences

• "For a supercontinent to form requires a significant volume of continental crustal fragments that survive recycling into the mantle."
• "Some 200 million years ago, the rocks that became the Palisades cliffs just across the Hudson River from Manhattan formed during volcanic activity that helped rip apart the ancient supercontinent Pangea."