transcontinental

[trans-kon-tn-en-tl]

adjective

1. passing or extending across a continent.

   a transcontinental railroad.

2. on the other, or far, side of a continent.

transcontinental

/ ˌtrænzkɒntɪˈnɛntəl /

adjective

1. crossing a continent

2. on or from the far side of a continent

Other Word Forms

• transcontinentally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of transcontinental¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; trans- + continental

Example Sentences

In Major League Baseball, the Dodgers and Giants only moved from New York to Los Angeles and San Francisco, respectively, after transcontinental flights became available and teams were no longer limited by rail times.

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The actress may not qualify as a transcontinental missile, but she does have range.

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"With this central momentum bringing together all stakeholders, Europe can truly move from isolated high-speed rail pockets to an integrated transcontinental network," he said.

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Union Pacific is seeking to buy Norfolk Southern in an $85-billion deal that would create the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The deal still must overcome regulatory review that, if successful, would create the first transcontinental freight railroad in the U.S.

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