n. 1 a a large expanse of sea, esp. each of the main areas called the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Antarctic Oceans. b these regarded cumulatively as the body of water surrounding the land of the globe. 2 (usu. prec. by the) the sea. 3 (often in pl.) a very large expanse or quantity of anything (oceans of time). ocean-going (of a ship) able to cross oceans. ocean tramp a merchant ship, esp. a steamer, running on no regular line or route. oceanward adv. (also -wards).
[ ME f. OF occean f. L oceanus f. Gk okeanos stream encircling the earth's disc, Atlantic ]