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Conurbation: meaning, definitions and examples

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conurbation

 

[ ˌkɒnərˈbeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

urban area

A conurbation is a large urban area formed by the convergence of several cities or towns that have grown together, often characterized by a continuous expanse of development. This phenomenon often occurs when cities expand over time, leading to the blending of their boundaries and the creation of a metropolitan region. Conurbations can include multiple administrative jurisdictions and may serve as important economic, cultural, and social hubs. They are typically associated with high population density and significant infrastructure that supports a large number of residents and businesses.

Synonyms

city-region, megacity, metropolitan area, urban sprawl.

Examples of usage

  • The Randstad is a prominent conurbation in the Netherlands.
  • Many people commute daily from the suburbs of the conurbation to work in the city.
  • London is a well-known example of a conurbation.
  • The conurbation's transportation network is crucial for its integration.
  • Urban planners often focus on the challenges of managing a conurbation.

Translations

Translations of the word "conurbation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aglomeração urbana

🇮🇳 नगर समूह

🇩🇪 Ballungsraum

🇮🇩 kota besar

🇺🇦 конурбація

🇵🇱 aglomeracja

🇯🇵 都市圏

🇫🇷 agglomération

🇪🇸 aglomeración

🇹🇷 büyükşehir

🇰🇷 도시권

🇸🇦 تجمع حضري

🇨🇿 aglomerace

🇸🇰 aglomerácia

🇨🇳 城市群

🇸🇮 aglomeracija

🇮🇸 borgarsvæði

🇰🇿 қала агломерациясы

🇬🇪 ქალაქის აგლომერაცია

🇦🇿 şəhər aglomerasiyası

🇲🇽 aglomeración

Etymology

The term 'conurbation' was first coined by the British geographer Patrick Geddes in the early 20th century, derived from the combination of 'con' (meaning together) and 'urban' (pertaining to cities). Geddes sought to describe the phenomenon of urban expansion and the merging of smaller towns and cities into larger urban areas, particularly in the context of industrial growth and urbanization that characterized the period. The concept gained traction through the mid-1900s as cities around the world began to exhibit similar patterns of growth. As transportation networks improved and housing became more accessible, populations began to spread beyond city centers creating sprawling urban environments. The idea of conurbation has since been integral to urban studies, emphasizing the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by densely populated interconnected areas.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,415 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.