n.

1. a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography);
   country
   
   • it was a mountainous area
   • Bible country
2. a particular environment or walk of life;
   sphere, domain, orbit, field, arena
   
   • his social sphere is limited
   • it was a closed area of employment
   • he's out of my orbit
3. a subject of study
   
   • it was his area of specialization
   • areas of interest include...
4. a part of a structure having some specific characteristic or function
   
   • the spacious cooking area provided plenty of room for servants
5. a part of an animal that has a special function or is supplied by a given artery or nerve;
   region
   
   • in the abdominal region
6. the extent of a 2-dimensional surface enclosed within a boundary;
   expanse, surface area
   
   • the area of a rectangle
   • it was about 500 square feet in area