Definition

Proper noun A hypothetical supercontinent that existed in the geological past. According to the theory of plate tectonics, Laurasia was the northern half of the earlier supercontinent Pangaea. It later fragmented into the continental landmasses that we now recognize as North America, Europe, and Asia.

Usage

"Laurasia" is used exclusively as a proper noun in geological and paleogeographical contexts to refer to this ancient landmass. It is always capitalized.

Examples

• Scientists believe Laurasia began to break apart during the Mesozoic Era.
• The formation of Laurasia and Gondwana resulted from the splitting of Pangaea.
• Many dinosaur fossils found in North America and Asia provide evidence of when these lands were connected as part of Laurasia.

Advanced Usage

• In plate tectonic theory: The term is used to describe a key stage in the historical model of continental drift.
  • The collision of Laurasia and Gondwana is thought to have formed major mountain ranges.

Variants and Related Words

• Laurasian (adjective): Of or relating to Laurasia.
  • The fossil record shows a distinct Laurasian fauna.

Word Forms

• Laurasia (singular, proper noun)
• Laurasian (adjective)

Different Meanings

This word has only one specific meaning: the name of the ancient northern supercontinent.

Synonyms

• Northern supercontinent (descriptive synonym)
• (There are no direct single-word synonyms, as it is a specific proper noun.)

Antonyms

• Gondwana (or Gondwanaland): The name of the corresponding southern supercontinent that comprised the landmasses which later became South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent.

Noun

1. a hypothetical continent that (according to plate tectonic theory) broke up later into North America and Europe and Asia