Definition: The major land masses of the earth. According to tradition most people speak of seven continents on the planet. However, geologically there are six large distinct land masses on the earth so many geographers and scientists refer to six.
Those who consider there to be seven continents refer to a separate Europe and Asia (divided at the Ural Mountains in western Russia) while those who prefer six continents refer to the joined land mass (and single tectonic plate) as Eurasia. In some countries, the Americas are combined into one continent.
Examples:
The six continents include Africa, Antarctica, Australia, Eurasia, North America, and South America. The seven continents include Africa, Antarctica, Australia, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.
