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

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Pacific Railway Act chartered the first transcontinental railway, the Union Pacific.

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The blockbuster railroad combination, the largest deal so far this year, would create the nation’s first transcontinental railroad operator.

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Partly because of their remarkable transcontinental voyage between salt lakes, the grayish birds have inspired a close partnership between communities in California and Argentina.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The village grew slowly until the transcontinental railroad arrived in 1876.

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