Subcontinent

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Subcontinent

A Subcontinent (/sʌbˈkɒntɪnənt/; from Latin sub, "under" and continentem, "continuous land") is a large, distinguishable part of a continent, such as North America or Southern Africa. It is often referred to as a landmass that is physically distinct from the rest of the continent and is often located on a different tectonic plate.

Etymology

The term "subcontinent" originated in the early 19th century to describe the Indian subcontinent, which forms a distinct landmass within the Asian continent. The prefix "sub-" is derived from Latin, meaning "under" or "below," while "continent" comes from the Latin continentem, meaning "continuous land."

Related Terms

  • Continent: A large continuous area of land on Earth. Continents are generally identified by convention rather than any strict criteria.
  • Tectonic Plate: A massive, irregularly shaped slab of solid rock, generally composed of both continental and oceanic lithosphere.
  • Landmass: A large, continuous area of land, such as a continent or large island.
  • Geography: The study of places and the relationships between people and their environments.

See Also

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