terrain

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noun

Definition of TERRAIN

1

a region of activity, knowledge, or influence <we're moving into unfamiliar terrain if we bring pre-Columbian art into our discussion>

Synonyms area, arena, bailiwick, barony, business, circle, demesne, department, discipline, domain, element, fief, fiefdom, firmament, front, game, kingdom, line, precinct, province, realm, specialty, sphere, terrain, walk

Related Words frontier; study, subject; territory, turf; occupation, profession, pursuit, racket, vocation; ambit, amplitude, breadth, compass, confine, dimension(s), extent, ken, reach, scope, sweep, width; subfield, subspecialty

2

the physical features of a region as a whole <an analysis of the terrain revealed that an invasion force of paratroopers would have their work cut out for them>

Synonyms chorography, geomorphology, landscape, terrain, topography

Related Words scenery; ground, land, landform, terrane, terrene

3

the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded <a new senator getting lost in the foggy terrain of double-dealing and deception>

Synonyms ambient, atmosphere, climate, clime, context, contexture, environs, medium, milieu, mise-en-scène, setting, surround, surroundings, terrain

Related Words location, place, position, space; backdrop, background; element; situation, status; geography, habitat; microenvironment