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conurbation

conurbation

1 8.9
A large area where several towns or cities grow together into one continuous urban area
  • noun
  • /ˌkɒnərˈbeɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : conurbación
  • The Tokyo conurbation is one of the largest urban areas in the world, consisting of numerous interconnected cities.
  • a large conurbation
  • the conurbation of Paris

Examples

  • Cities were clearly defined spaces with formidable enclosing walls, not the sprawling conurbations of the modern world.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The parasite is also present in the large conurbation of Paris.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Panel B shows a close-up view of the departments of the Paris conurbation.

    Academic text (2012)
  • An example of this larger conurbation is Huixquilucan, between Mexico City and Toluca.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The former agricultural centers agglomerated into an urban conurbation from the northern border of Palm Beach County to south of Miami.

    Academic text (1992)
  • This ocean-side establishment does its best to bring the spirit of the tropics to the jam-packed conurbation of the northeastern United States.

    Blog text (14)
  • As cities expand and merge, they often form a conurbation, creating a seamless urban environment.

  • Many people commute daily across the vast conurbation that includes parts of several neighboring towns.

Synonyms

urban area
vsconurbation
41 2.7

A place with many people and buildings like a city

is specifically a merged region created when nearby towns expand and join
supercity
vsconurbation
1 6.8

A very large city formed when several towns join, often imagined as very modern

is a real merged region formed by towns growing together

How Big

megalopolis
1 8.1
conurbation
  • Specialized
1 8.9
metropolis
175 5.2
city
1.0
town
1.0

Surface Forms

conurbation singular
conurbations plural

Morphology

conurbation = conurbate (semi-transparent) = con + urban + ation

The noun is a fairly clear nominalization of 'conurbate', but the term is still technical and not fully predictable for many learners.

Etymology

The word conurbation comes from the parts con- meaning 'together' and urb- meaning 'city', the same root as urban. So a conurbation is when several towns grow and join 'together' to form one large city area.