An extended urban area comprising several towns or cities that have grown and merged together, typically connected by suburbs and infrastructure but maintaining some individual identity. The term emphasizes the interconnected nature of the urban complex.
Coined by Scottish biologist Patrick Geddes in 1915 from 'con-' (together) and Latin 'urbs' (city), literally meaning 'cities together.' Geddes created the term to describe the new type of urban formation he observed during rapid industrial expansion.
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