How Do You Spell OCEAN?

Pronunciation: [ˈə͡ʊʃən] (IPA)

The word "ocean" is spelled as /ˈoʊʃən/. In phonetic transcription, the first syllable sounds like the long "o" sound in "go", while the second syllable has a "sh" sound followed by a short "u" sound. The spelling of "ocean" reflects its Latin root "oceānus", which entered the English language in the early 14th century. It refers to the vast body of salt water covering approximately 71% of the Earth's surface, and further subdivided into five distinct oceans.

OCEAN Meaning and Definition

  1. Ocean is a vast body of saline water that covers a significant portion of the Earth's surface. It is a major component of the hydrosphere, occupying approximately 71% of the planet's surface. Oceans encompass five main components: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Southern, and Arctic Oceans. Each ocean exhibits its distinctive characteristics, including temperature, salinity, marine life, and currents.

    Characterized by their immense depth and expanse, oceans play a vital role in Earth's climate regulation by absorbing and releasing heat, which influences atmospheric conditions. The ocean's vastness provides a habitat for an incredibly diverse array of marine organisms, ranging from microorganisms to large animals such as whales and sharks.

    The ocean's waters are saline due to the dissolved salts obtained from various terrestrial sources, including rivers, volcanic eruptions, and chemical reactions occurring beneath the ocean surface. These salts contribute to the ocean's high specific gravity and allow for buoyancy and the ability to support marine life. Moreover, oceanic currents, driven by factors such as temperature variations, wind patterns, and Earth's rotation, circulate water across the globe, influencing climates and redistributing nutrients and organisms.

    The oceans serve as crucial transportation routes, facilitating global trade and connecting various regions worldwide. Furthermore, they provide resources such as food, energy, minerals, and recreational opportunities. Despite their vastness, oceans are also vulnerable to pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, and climate change, necessitating measures to protect and preserve their health and resources for future generations.

  2. • A vast expanse of salt water; the main; any very great or immense expanse, as the ocean of eternity.
    • Pert. To the great expanse of salt water.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for OCEAN *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for OCEAN

Etymology of OCEAN

The word "ocean" derives from the Greek word "ōkeanós", which referred specifically to the river believed to encircle the Earth in Greek mythology. The term later came to denote the vast body of saltwater that covers most of the Earth's surface. The Greek word "ōkeanós" itself is believed to have originated from the Indo-European root "ōus", meaning "to flow" or "run", which also gave rise to the Sanskrit word "áp", meaning "water" and the Latin word "aqua", meaning "water" as well. Ultimately, the etymology of "ocean" is linked to the concept of water and flowing motion.

Idioms with the word OCEAN

  • boil the ocean The idiom "boil the ocean" refers to an impossible or extremely difficult task that is trying to do something on an impractical or monumental scale, often used to describe an excessively ambitious or pointless endeavor without considering practicality or constraints.
  • drop in the ocean The idiom "drop in the ocean" is used to describe a small or insignificant amount in comparison to a much larger whole or problem. It suggests that the contribution or impact being made is so minimal that it will not make a significant difference or have a meaningful effect.
  • an ocean of something The idiom "an ocean of something" is often used metaphorically to describe a large quantity or a vast amount of something. It implies that there is an excessive or overwhelming quantity of the mentioned thing, much like an ocean is an immense body of water.
  • a drop in the ocean (or in a bucket) The idiom "a drop in the ocean (or in a bucket)" refers to a small and insignificant amount or contribution in comparison to the larger whole or problem. It implies that the effort or action is too minimal to have any significant impact or effect. It suggests that the overall situation is so vast or difficult that the small contribution is unlikely to make a noticeable difference.
  • a drop in the bucket, at a drop in the ocean The idiom "a drop in the bucket, at a drop in the ocean" refers to a contribution or action that is considered insignificant or minimal in relation to the overall situation or problem. It signifies that the effort made is so small that it will have little or no impact on the larger issue or goal. The phrase reflects the idea that as a single drop of water does not significantly affect the vastness of the ocean, similarly, the action taken will have little effect on the problem at hand.
  • a drop in the ocean The idiom "a drop in the ocean" means a small or insignificant amount or contribution in comparison to the larger whole or problem. It implies that the effect or impact of something is minimal or inconsequential when compared to the magnitude of the situation or issue at hand.

Similar spelling words for OCEAN

Plural form of OCEAN is OCEANS

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