Why are Earth's oceans collectively called the world ocean?

Answer 1

The English word "ocean" is derived from the Greek god Oceanus. He was supposed to control a giant river that surrounded the world (they thought it was flat back then). When Romans expanded to the Atlantic Ocean, they thought it was so big and mysterious it must be the body of water controlled by Oceanus.

Answer 2

As far as I'm aware, it comes from a (lighthearted?) comment by Arthur C. Clarke - "How inappropriate to call this planet earth when it is quite clearly Ocean.".

That observation is based on the fact that the surface of the planet is around 28% land (Or 'Earth') and 72% water.

In hindsight, perhaps "Ocean" really would have been the more appropriate name :)

Answer 3

Pacific, Passive... calm. The ocean seemed to be calm during the times of the explorers, particularly when compared to other waters in which they had sailed.

Answer 4

I suppose it's exactly the same as why you, the questioner, have a name. It's so we can know who you are, what you are called, it is an identity.

Answer 5

It came from the Latin word Oceanus which is what the Romans called the bodies of water bigger than their known seas.

Answer 6

It came from the Latin word Oceanus which is what the Romans called the bodies of water bigger than their known seas.

Answer 7

The term originally referred to the Atlas Mountains in Libya, hence to the sea near the west African coast, later being extended to the whole ocean.

Answer 8

The Atlantic Ocean's name derives from the Atlas Mountains, which marked the western boundary between the known and unknown world.

Answer 9

because stone cold said so

Answer 10

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