metroplex, n. U.S.
(ˈmɛtrəʊplɛks)
[f. metropolitan a. + *-plex2.]
A large, sprawling metropolitan area, esp. one consisting of two or more cities in an area of dense population.
| 1969 New Scientist 7 Aug. 267/1 In parts of the US, notably in Los Angeles and in the metroplex of the eastern seaboard, the nitrogen oxides of car exhausts are activated by sunlight. 1972 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 9 Dec. 15/3 In Texas a new word has been born. Dallas and Fort Worth are now calling themselves Metroplex. 1980 Times 28 Nov. 8/2 The whole metroplex of Houston ranks as an enterprise zone, a city without planning. 1986 Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch 10 Feb. a10/6 The idea of the two-city ‘metroplex’, centered on an airport larger than Manhattan, has produced joint planning and much common sense. |