Continent
From ePedia, the electronic encyclopedia
A continent (Latin continere, "to hold together") is a large continuous landmass.
Definitions
Since geography is defined by local convention, there are several conceptions as to which landmasses qualify as continents, and which might be termed supercontinents (e.g. Africa-Eurasia), microcontinents (e.g. Madagascar or New Zealand), or subcontinents (e.g. South Asia). Seven landmasses and their associated islands are commonly reckoned as continents, but these may be consolidated. For example, North and South America are often considered a single continent, and Asia is often united with Europe. Ignoring cases where Antarctica is omitted, or where the terms Australasia or Oceania replaces Australia, there are half a dozen traditions for naming the continents.
Definitions
Since geography is defined by local convention, there are several conceptions as to which landmasses qualify as continents, and which might be termed supercontinents (e.g. Africa-Eurasia), microcontinents (e.g. Madagascar or New Zealand), or subcontinents (e.g. South Asia). Seven landmasses and their associated islands are commonly reckoned as continents, but these may be consolidated. For example, North and South America are often considered a single continent, and Asia is often united with Europe. Ignoring cases where Antarctica is omitted, or where the terms Australasia or Oceania replaces Australia, there are half a dozen traditions for naming the continents.
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