Definition of: area

(âr′ē·ə) noun plural ar·e·as; for def. 6, often ar·e·ae (âr′i·ē)
1. Any open space.
2. A tract or portion of the earth's surface; region.
3. Superficial extent; total outside surface. See SQUARE MEASURE.
4. A yard of a building; areaway.
5. Figuratively, the extent of anything; scope.
6. Anat. A section of the cerebral cortex with a specific motor or sensory function. [<L, an open space of level ground. Doublet of ARE².]
—ar′e·al adjective