n. 1. a. A large, usually continuous segment of a surface or space: the upper regions of the atmosphere. b. A portion of the earth's surface distinguished from others by some characteristic: the coastal region; the region of storm damage. c. A bioregion. d. A political district or unit, often with its adjacent lands: the Osaka region. 2. An area of the body having natural or arbitrarily assigned boundaries: the abdominal region. 3. An area of interest or activity; a sphere: the region of gender studies. 4. An approximate degree or amount: costs in the region of one billion dollars. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin regiō, regiōn-, from regere, to rule; see reg- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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