continental United States

== English == === Proper noun === the continental United States (US, geography) The portion of the United States which is located on the North American continent; the United States exclusive of Hawaii and other overseas territories. Synonym: continental US (US, geography, colloquial) The largest portion of the United States which is not separated by any ocean or non-U.S. land; the United States exclusive of Alaska, Hawaii, and other overseas territories. Synonyms: conterminous United States, contiguous United States, contiguous 48, lower 48 ==== Usage notes ==== While both senses are used in some contexts, the first sense is the more popular interpretation of the phrase. ==== Synonyms ==== lower 48 contiguous 48 contiguous United States continental US CONUS ==== Translations ====