Ocean

Definition

The term "ocean" refers to the vast body of saltwater that covers approximately 71% of Earth's surface. It is also used to describe one of the Earth's five major divisions of this water: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic Oceans.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈoʊ.ʃən/
• Respelling: OH-shun

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈəʊ.ʃən/
• Respelling: OH-shun

Etymology

The word "ocean" originates from the Latin "oceanus," derived from the Ancient Greek "Ὠκεανός" (Ōkeanós), meaning the great stream encircling the Earth. The term was first used in English during the Middle Ages to refer to the vast body of water surrounding continents.

Derivatives

• Oceanic (adjective)
• Oceania (noun)
• Oceanography (noun)
• Oceanographer (noun)
• Oceanfront (noun/adjective)

Synonyms

• Sea
• Waterbody
• Deep

Antonyms

• Land
• Continent
• Desert

Usage

The word "ocean" is widely used to describe the Earth's large water bodies. For example: "The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the five oceans," or "We could hear the waves of the ocean from our hotel room."

Related Terms

• Marine: Related to the sea or ocean.
• Coast: The land along the edge of the ocean.
• Archipelago: A group of islands within an ocean or sea.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The vast body of saltwater covering most of Earth: Refers to the global expanse of interconnected saltwater.
  • Example: "The ocean is vital to regulating Earth's climate."
• One of the five major divisions of Earth's saltwater: Refers to the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, or Arctic Ocean.
  • Example: "The Atlantic Ocean separates Europe and the Americas."
• A large or vast quantity: Used metaphorically to describe something immense.
  • Example: "She had an ocean of ideas."