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

Other Word Forms

• subcontinental adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subcontinent¹

First recorded in 1860–65; sub- + continent

Example Sentences

Jebel Ali also serves the Indian subcontinent, the upper and lower Gulf, from Iraq to Eurasia as well as Asian countries.

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Meteorologists say it was mainly because of the interaction between the already existing monsoon system in the Indian subcontinent and westerly disturbances, a low pressure system that originates in the Mediterranean region and travels eastward.

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Tamil Nadu state department archaeologists say an urban civilisation dating back to 580BC existed in Keeladi, a claim that adds a new dimension to the story of the Indian subcontinent.

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"Mango diplomacy" is a familiar phrase across the subcontinent, where carefully chosen crates of the fruit can grease political deals, strengthen alliances or smooth over tense negotiations.

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"I said if this game was being played on the Indian subcontinent, people would start talking about bookmakers," Holding said.

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