Africa
/ˈæf.rɪ.kə/noun
The second-largest continent, south of Europe and west of Asia.
Did you know?The name Africa was first used by the Romans for the region around Carthage, and its deeper origin is still debated, making it one of those ancient names that carries real historical mystery rather than a neat single-source myth.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
Africa
“The Roman province around Carthage in North Africa”
1st Century BCE
Latin
Africa terra
“The land of the Afri, or the African province”
Classical Antiquity
Latin
Afri
“The people living near Carthage; the exact origin of the tribal name is uncertain”
Medieval Latin
Latin
Africa
“The African continent or large parts of North Africa”
14th Century
English
Affrike / Africa
“The continent or region known by the Latin name”
Modern English
English
Africa
“The continent of Africa”