that huge mass of salt waters which encompasses all parts of the globe, and by means of which, in the present improved state of navigation, an easy intercourse subsists between places the most distant.

The ocean is distinguished into three grand divisions. 1. The Atlantic ocean, which divides Europe and Africa from America, which is generally about 3000 miles wide. 2. The Pacific ocean, or South sea, which divides America from Asia, and is generally about 10,000 miles over. And, 3. The Indian ocean, which separates the East Indies from Africa, which is 3000 miles over. The other seas, which are called oceans, are only parts or branches of these, and usually receive their names from the countries they border upon. For the saltness, tides, &c. of the ocean, see the articles SEA, TIDES, &c.