Collins English-English Dictionary

continent ['kɑntɪnənt]

1. 1. n one of the earth's large land masses (Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, North and South America, and Antarctica)

2. 2. n that part of the earth's crust that rises above the oceans and is composed of sialic rocks. Including the continental shelves, the continents occupy 30 per cent of the earth's surface

3. 3. n [obsolete] mainland as opposed to islands

4. 4. n a continuous extent of land

5. 5. n [Etymology] C16: from the Latin phrase terra continens continuous land, from continere; see contain

continent ['kɑntɪnənt]

1. 1. adj able to control urination and defecation

2. 2. adj exercising self-restraint, esp from sexual activity; chaste

3. 3. adj [Etymology] C14: from Latin continent-, present participle of continere; see contain