ENGLISH
REFERENCE

terra

n. uncountable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈtɛˌɹɑ// UK //tˈɛɹɐ// ter·ra Archaic Literary

n. the planet Earth, or the ground and land we walk on. It is an old word often used in science fiction or when talking about history.

n. the planet Earth or the dry land of the world. Often used in astronomical contexts to distinguish Earth from other celestial bodies, or in literary contexts to evoke a classical tone.


SIMPLE

The astronauts looked back at the blue marble of Terra.

CONTEXTUAL

In many science fiction novels, the characters refer to our home planet as Terra rather than Earth.

COMPLEX

The explorer claimed the new territory in the name of his king, planting a flag into the firm terra of the coastal plains.

Origin

From Latin Terra (“goddess of the earth; the land itself”).

Usage

Often capitalised when referring specifically to the planet Earth; frequently appears in Latin phrases like 'terra firma'.

Idioms1 entry

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