continental

adjective kon-tee-nahn-TAL Rare

Origin: from continent + -al, via Latin continentalis

Usage Note

Continental most often describes climate (climat continental — marked seasonal extremes) or geography (Europe continentale — mainland Europe). In French hospitality, petit-déjeuner continental is a light breakfast of bread, butter, and jam as opposed to a cooked breakfast. The plural is continentaux.

Examples

"Le climat continental est marqué par des hivers rudes."

Natural Translation

The continental climate is marked by harsh winters.

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