subcontinent

[ suhb-kon-tn-uhnt, suhb-kon- ]

noun

1. a large, relatively self-contained landmass forming a subdivision of a continent:

   The Himalayas arose when what is now the Indian subcontinent collided with the Eurasian Plate during the Cretaceous period.

2. a large landmass, such as Greenland, that is smaller than any of the usually recognized continents.

subcontinent

/ ˌsʌbkɒntɪˈnɛntəl; sʌbˈkɒntɪnənt /

noun

1. a large land mass that is a distinct part of a continent, such as India is of Asia

Derived Forms

• subcontinental, adjective

Other Words From

• sub·con·ti·nen·tal [suhb-kon-tn-, en, -tl], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subcontinent¹

First recorded in 1860–65; sub- + continent

Example Sentences

We can point to a habitual and historic struggle in the subcontinent and on slow, turning pitches in other parts of the world.

From BBC

More broadly, this was another Test on the subcontinent where England have been outspun, though after next week it will not be a problem they will have to consider for some time.

From BBC

The studies included people with different diseases, and most were from the Middle East and/or the Indian subcontinent.

From Salon

Scientists estimate that their near-disappearance on the subcontinent nearly two decades ago — an unintentional byproduct of human activity — has led to more than half a million excess deaths.

From Salon

This trip to the subcontinent was hot and humid.

From BBC