continental /-entˈl/ adjective

Of, characteristic of, or of the nature of, a continent, esp the mainland of Europe, the colonies of N America at the period of the War of Independence, or the main landmass of the United States

1. A native or inhabitant of a continent, esp the mainland of Europe
2. An American soldier of the War of Independence
3. A currency note of the Continental Congress

continentˈalism noun

Anything peculiar to the usage of a continent, esp Europe

continentˈalist noun

continental'ity noun

The extent to which a climate is influenced by location in the interior of a large land mass

conˈtinently adverb

In a continent manner

continental breakfast noun

A light breakfast of rolls and coffee (cf English breakfast)

continental climate noun

The climate characteristic of the interior of a continent, with hot summers, cold winters, and little rainfall

Continental Congress noun

An assembly of delegates of the American colonies, before the United States constitution was in force

continental crust noun

The part of the earth's crust lying underneath the large landmasses

continental day noun

A school day that begins early in the morning and ends shortly after midday

continental divide noun

A range of mountains forming the watershed of a continent

continental drift noun (geology)

The theory of the slow drifting apart of land masses, as eg in the theory of the formation of world continents from one original land mass, now supported by the theory of plate tectonics (see under plate)

continental plate noun

A plate (qv) of the lithosphere

continental quilt noun

A duvet

continental shelf noun

A gently sloping zone, under relatively shallow seas, offshore from a continent or island

Continental System noun

Napoleon's plan for excluding Britain from all commercial connection with Europe