intercontinental

[in-ter-kon-tn-en-tl]

adjective

1. between or among continents; involving two or more continents.

   intercontinental trade.

2. traveling or capable of traveling between continents.

   intercontinental airplanes.

intercontinental

/ ˌɪntəˌkɒntɪˈnɛntəl /

adjective

1. relating to travel, commerce, relations, etc, between continents

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercontinental¹

First recorded in 1850–55; inter- + continental

Example Sentences

The draw was also made for the intercontinental play-offs, which will be played in Mexico during the international break in late March.

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She applies a forensic eye to what might happen in a handful of nerve centers if radar picked up an incoming intercontinental ballistic missile headed straight for the Midwest.

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That will require an audit of the regulations around Sentinel, the program for replacing intercontinental ballistic missiles, and eliminating unnecessary and costly barriers to avoid more delays and cost overruns.

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The U.S. had an extensive program on them in the 1950s but abandoned the concept as scientists perfected intercontinental ballistic missiles, which fly far faster and higher.

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A 2021 report by the US Air Force's National Air and Space Intelligence Center concluded: "A nuclear-powered cruise missile would give Russia a unique weapon with intercontinental range capability."

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Related Words

• foreign 
• global 
• universal