terrestrial
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.ter·res·tri·al
adjective \tə-ˈres-t(r)ē-əl; -ˈres-chəl, -ˈresh-\Definition of TERRESTRIAL
1
a : of or relating to the earth or its inhabitants <terrestrial magnetism> b : mundane in scope or character : prosaic
2
a : of or relating to land as distinct from air or water <terrestrial transportation> b (1) : living on or in or growing from land <terrestrial plants> <terrestrial birds> (2) : of or relating to terrestrial organisms <terrestrial habits>
3
: belonging to the class of planets that are like the earth (as in density and silicate composition) <the terrestrial planets Mercury, Venus, and Mars>
— terrestrial noun
— ter·res·tri·al·ly adverb
See Examples of TERRESTRIAL
- The toad has terrestrial habits, spending most of its time on shore.
- <scientists haven't even found all the terrestrial life on our planet>
Origin of TERRESTRIAL
Middle English, from Latin terrestris, from terra earth — more at terrace
First Known Use: 15th century
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