n.
Pronunciation: ' li-b ē - ə
Function: geographical name
1 the part of Africa N of the Sahara bet. Egypt & Syrtis Major (Gulf of Sidra) ― an ancient name
2 N Africa W of Egypt ― an ancient name
3 country N Africa bordering on the Mediterranean; a colony of Italy 1912-43, an independent kingdom 1951-69, a republic since 1969 capital Tripoli area 679,358 sq mi (1,766,331 sq km ), pop 4,573,000