CONTIGUOUS US Meaning and
Definition
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The term "contiguous U.S." refers to the contiguous or continuous portion of the United States of America, also known as the "lower 48" or the "mainland." It encompasses the forty-eight states that are geographically connected, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, as well as other U.S. territories.
Geographically speaking, the contiguous U.S. is located entirely within North America, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, Canada to the north, and Mexico to the south. This region stretches across approximately 3.1 million square miles (8 million square kilometers) and is home to a majority of the United States' population.
The contiguous U.S. includes diverse landscapes and climates, ranging from vast plains and deserts to mountain ranges and coastlines. It contains major cities, such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston, and comprises a majority of the country's economic and cultural centers.
The term "contiguous U.S." is commonly used in various contexts, such as when discussing travel, demographics, or statistical comparisons. It serves to differentiate the main body of the United States from its non-contiguous states and territories, as well as to specify areas covered by specific policies or regulations that may apply only to the contiguous U.S.
Etymology of CONTIGUOUS US
The term "contiguous U.S". is composed of two parts: "contiguous" and "U.S". Here's the etymology of each:
1. Contiguous: The word "contiguous" comes from the Latin word "contiguus", which means "touching, bordering upon". It entered English usage in the mid-17th century, derived from the past participle of the Latin verb "contingere", meaning "to touch". Over time, "contiguous" came to refer to things that are in direct contact or share a common border. In the context of the contiguous U.S., it signifies the 48 adjoining states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
2. U.S.: The term "U.S". is an abbreviation for the United States.
