Definition

Noun

  • The total sea mass.

Origin

13th century. Originally from the Greek word okeanos, then the Latin oceanus, Old English and Old French occean, and finally, Middle English.

Comments

Hardly needs any explanation. 70% of the world is covered in it and it’s salty. It excludes inland seas, lakes, and rivers. For geographic purposes, the world’s ocean is divided into five separate areas being: Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Antarctic.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.