1. relating to or denoting a shallow sea that covers part of a continental landmass
Usage: geology, geography
2. occurring or existing within or on a continent
Usage: geology

Examples

• The epicontinental seas of the Cretaceous period covered much of North America.
• Geologists study epicontinental deposits to understand ancient climate patterns.
• During the Paleozoic era, epicontinental seaways repeatedly flooded the continental interior.
• The fossil record in epicontinental sediments reveals the diversity of ancient marine life.
• Epicontinental environments are characterized by shallow water and variable salinity.