Terrestrially: meaning, definitions and examples

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terrestrially

 

[ tΙ›rΛˆΙ›strΙͺΙ™li ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

relating to Earth

The term 'terrestrially' refers to something that is related to or situated on the Earth. It is often used in scientific contexts to discuss phenomena, organisms, or environments that are found on land rather than in water or air.

Synonyms

earthbound, grounded, land-based

Examples of usage

  • Plants grow terrestrially in diverse ecosystems.
  • Animals adapted to live terrestrially face different challenges.
  • The researchers studied how species function terrestrially.

Word origin

The word 'terrestrially' is derived from the Latin term 'terrestris', meaning 'of the earth' or 'earthly'. This Latin root comes from 'terra', which means 'earth' or 'land'. The transition into English occurred in the late Middle Ages through Old French. Its usage has expanded in the fields of geology, biology, and environmental science, particularly to distinguish terrestrial ecosystems from aquatic or aerial systems. As a result, the word has become significant in discussions about biodiversity and environmental impact.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,766, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.