Contiguous
The term contiguous describes things that are touching, sharing a common boundary, or next in sequence. Understanding its precise meaning is crucial for clear communication in various contexts, from geography to legal descriptions.
Key Takeaways
- Contiguous means sharing a common border or being in direct contact.
- It implies an unbroken sequence or physical connection.
- The 48 mainland U.S. states are a prime example of contiguous states in the United States.
- While similar, contiguous is more specific than adjacent, which simply means nearby or next to.
What is Contiguous? Definition & Examples
To fully grasp what is Contiguous, it’s essential to look at its core meaning. The word originates from Latin “contiguus,” meaning “touching.” It describes items or areas that are in direct contact, sharing a common boundary, or following one another without interruption.
Defining Contiguous
When asking what does contiguous mean in english, the simplest answer is “touching” or “next to each other in an unbroken sequence.” It suggests a physical connection or an uninterrupted series. For instance, two plots of land are contiguous if they share a property line, or events can be contiguous if they happen one immediately after the other.
Real-World Usage Examples
Understanding the contiguous definition and usage examples helps solidify its meaning. Here are a few common scenarios:
- Geography: Two countries are contiguous if they share a land border.
- Real Estate: A developer might purchase several contiguous parcels of land to create a larger property.
- Data Management: In computing, contiguous memory blocks are allocated next to each other in a continuous sequence.
- Biology: Contiguous cells in a tissue are those that are directly touching one another.
Contiguous States in the U.S.
A widely recognized example of the term in action refers to the contiguous states in the United States. This phrase specifically denotes the 48 states located on the North American continent, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. These 48 states form a single, unbroken landmass, sharing borders with each other or with Canada and Mexico. Alaska, while part of North America, is separated from this group by Canada, and Hawaii is an island archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, making both non-contiguous with the main body of states.
Contiguous vs. Adjacent: Key Differences
While often used interchangeably, there is a subtle yet important difference between contiguous and adjacent. Both terms imply proximity, but contiguous is more precise about the nature of that closeness.
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Contiguous | Sharing a common boundary; touching directly; next in an unbroken sequence. | Two houses that share a party wall are contiguous. |
| Adjacent | Near or next to; close by, but not necessarily touching or sharing a border. | Two houses across the street from each other are adjacent. |
In essence, all contiguous things are adjacent, but not all adjacent things are contiguous. For something to be contiguous, direct physical contact or an uninterrupted sequence is required. Adjacent merely implies being nearby without the necessity of touching.
