What term is used to refer to massive urban concentrations created from strong physical linkages between three or more large cities?

The term "megalopolis" specifically refers to extensive urban regions formed by the strong physical, economic, and social linkages between multiple large cities. It denotes a network of interconnected urban areas that effectively operate as a single metropolitan region, characterized by significant population density and integrated infrastructure. This concept encapsulates the idea of cities merging into a continuous urban corridor, often along major transportation routes and economic hubs.

The word "megalopolis" was popularized by the geographer Jean Gottmann in the 1960s to describe the urban region stretching from Boston to Washington, D.C., highlighting the importance of interconnectedness among cities rather than treating them as isolated entities. Understanding this term is crucial for grasping contemporary urban development patterns and the dynamics of urbanization in a global context.

In contrast, "megapolis" is a less commonly used variant and is not standard in urban studies. "Metropolis" refers to a significant city that serves as a central hub of activity and culture but does not imply the multi-city interconnectivity represented by a megalopolis. "Megacity," on the other hand, describes a city with a very large population, often exceeding ten million inhabitants, but again, does not convey the inter-city linkages that define