ˈəuʃən n. 1 a a
large expanse of
sea,
esp.
each of
the main areas called the
Atlantic,
Pacific,
Indian,
Arctic,
and Antarctic Oceans. b
these regarded cumulatively as the
body of
water surrounding the
land of the
globe. 2 (usu. prec. by the) the sea. 3 (often in pl.) a
very large expanse or
quantity of
anything (oceans of time). øocean-going (of a ship)
able to
cross oceans. ocean
tramp a
merchant ship, esp. a
steamer,
running on no
regular line or
route. øøoceanward adv. (also -wards). [ME f. OF occean f. L oceanus f. Gk okeanos
stream encircling the earth's
disc, Atlantic]