continent

noun kohn-tee-NAHN Rare

Origin: From Latin continens ('holding together, mainland').

Usage Note

Continent follows the same seven-continent convention as English. Note that it is also an adjective meaning 'self-restrained' (especially sexually), though that sense is rare in modern usage. The final 't' is silent in the noun.

Examples

"L'Afrique est un grand continent."

Natural Translation

Africa is a large continent.

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