1818 as a purely geographical term, from continent + -al (1). In reference to the European mainland (as opposed to Great Britain), recorded from 1760. Continental breakfast (the kind eaten on the continent as opposed to the kind eaten in Britain) is attested by 1855. In reference to the British American colonies from 1774; the Continental Congress is attested from 1775; continental divide in use by 1865; continental rise in geology from 1959; continental slope from 1907. Continental shelf first attested 1888.
实用例句
1. Lowered sea levels exposed the shallow continental shelf beneath the Bering Sea.
海平面下降使白令海底部的浅层大陆架暴露出来。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Shipping is included on orders sent within the continental U.S.
美国本土订单已含运费。
来自柯林斯例句
3. He sees no signs of improvement in the UK and continental economy.
他看不到英国与欧洲大陆经济好转的迹象。
来自柯林斯例句
4. Both sides adopted the Continental style of play.
双方都采用了欧陆式打法。
来自柯林斯例句
5. Housing finance is less developed in continental Europe.
