Terrestrial

/təˈrɛstrɪəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
a terrestrial plant or animal.
The biologist specialized in studying terrestrial creatures in their habitats.
adjective
relating to the earth or land; pertaining to the surface of the earth.
The terrestrial environment is home to a diverse range of species.
having characteristics of land as opposed to water.
Terrestrial animals, such as lions and elephants, thrive in their natural habitats.
of or relating to the planet Earth.
The terrestrial ecosystem is crucial for maintaining biodiversity.
pertaining to or representing the world as opposed to the celestial.
The novel explores terrestrial themes of love, loss, and humanity.

Etymology

From Latin 'terrestris', from 'terra' meaning 'earth'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

terrestrial planet
A planet that is composed mainly of silicate rocks or metals and has a relatively solid surface.
terrestrial radiation
Radiation emitted from the Earth’s surface due to the absorption of solar radiation.

Related Words

terra
Latin word for earth.
terran
An inhabitant of Earth.

Slang Meanings

Relatable or down-to-earth.
He's so terrestrial; he just gets people.
Ordinary, not special.
That movie was kind of terrestrial; nothing exciting happened.