n.1 the extent or measure of a surface (over a large area; 3 acres in area; the area of a triangle).
2 a region or tract (the southern area).
3 a space allocated for a specific purpose (dining area; camping area).
4 the scope or range of an activity or study.
5 US a space below ground level in front of the basement of a building.
6 (prec. by the) Football penalty area.
Derivatives:
areal adj.
Etymology: L, vacant piece of level ground