The term "conterminous" refers to two or more geographic areas that share a common boundary or are adjacent to each other. It is commonly used to describe regions or countries that are contiguous or touching, without any gaps or interruptions.
The concept of conterminous is primarily employed in the context of political geography or land boundaries. It indicates that the areas in question share a physical border without any extraneous divisions. For example, when referring to the conterminous United States, it signifies the 48 contiguous states on the North American continent, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. These states are adjacent to each other, forming a continuous landmass.
The term conterminous is often used interchangeably with "contiguous" or "adjacent." However, conterminous carries a more precise connotation, emphasizing the lack of interruptions or separations between the regions in question. It implies that they share a direct and immediate boundary, with no intervening territories.
Conterminous can also be applied to objects or entities within a larger framework. For instance, it can describe two adjoining plots of land or neighboring districts within a city. In such cases, it highlights the absence of any gaps or spaces between them, emphasizing their close proximity and interconnectedness.
In summary, conterminous refers to geographic areas that are adjacent or share a common boundary without interruptions or separations. It denotes a close physical connection and is commonly used in reference to regions, countries, or other spatial entities.
