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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Ocean


OCEAN, noun o'shun. [Latin oceanus; Gr.; Heb. to encompass, whence a circle. This is probably an error. The word seems to have for its origin greatness or extent.]

1. The vast body of water which covers more than three fifths of the surface of the globe, called also the sea, or great sea. It is customary to speak of the ocean as if divided into three parts, the Atlantic ocean the Pacific ocean and the Indian ocean; but the ocean is one mass or body, partially separated by the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa on one side, and by America on the other.

2. An immense expanse; as the boundless ocean of eternity; oceans of duration and space.

OCEAN, adjective o'shun. Pertaining to the main or great sea; as the ocean wave; ocean stream.