'''Continent''', from [[Latin]] "continere" (to hold together) and ''terra continens'' (the continuous land), is a very large contiguous landmass, often delimited by [[plate tectonics|tectonic]] boundaries, which assist in distinguishing a small '''continent''' (such as Australia) from a large [[island]], such as [[Greenland]]. Continental masses often extend a number of miles out into the ocean, only shallowly submerged; this region is known as the continental shelf. | '''Continent''', from [[Latin]] "continere" (to hold together) and ''terra continens'' (the continuous land), is a very large contiguous landmass, often delimited by [[plate tectonics|tectonic]] boundaries, which assist in distinguishing a small '''continent''' (such as Australia) from a large [[island]], such as [[Greenland]]. Continental masses often extend a number of miles out into the ocean, only shallowly submerged; this region is known as the continental shelf. |