The New World is one of the names used for the Western
Hemisphere, specifically the Americas, certain Atlantic and
Pacific oceanic islands to which the closest continental shelf
is that of the Americas (such as Bermuda), and sometimes Oceania
(Australasia). The term originated in the early 16th century,
shortly after America was discovered by in the age of discovery,
expanding the geographical horizon of the people of the Middle
Ages, who had thought of the world as consisting of Africa,
Asia, and Europe only: collectively now referred to as the Old
World. The term was first coined by Florentine explorer Amerigo
Vespucci. The Americas were also referred to as the "fourth part
of the world". The terms "Old World" vs. "New World" are
meaningful in historical context and for the purpose of
distinguishing the world's major ecozones, and to classify plant
and animal species that originated therein. One can speak of the
"New World" in a historical context, e.g., when discussing the
voyages of Christopher Columbus,