Terrestrial
Origin
From Latin terrestris, from terra ("land, earth, ground").
Full definition of terrestrial
Noun
terrestrial
(plural terrestrials)- An inhabitant of the planet Earth.
- (botany) A ground-dwelling plant.
Synonyms
- (inhabitant of the earth) earthling, Earthman/Earthwoman, tellurian, Terran
Adjective
terrestrial
- Of, relating to, or inhabiting the land of the Earth or its inhabitants.
- 2013-07-20, Welcome to the plastisphere, Plastics are energy-rich substances, which is why many of them burn so readily. Any organism that could unlock and use that energy would do well in the Anthropocene. Terrestrial bacteria and fungi which can manage this trick are already familiar to experts in the field.
- Of, relating to, or composed of land.
- 1997, New Scientist, issue 2096, Review: Cinderella's houseMicroorganisms are the Cinderellas of terrestrial ecology — the majority of the Earth's biomass, yet barely catalogued.
- Living or growing in or on land (as opposed to other habitat); not aquatic, etc.a terrestrial plant
- (astronomy) Of a planet, being composed primarily of silicate rocks or metals; see also terrestrial planet.
- Concerned with the world or worldly matters.
- YoungA genius bright and base,
Of towering talents, and terrestrial aims. - (Mormonism) Of or pertaining to the second highest degree of glory.
- 1974 , February , A Sure Trumpet Sound: Quotations from President Lee , We are now living and obeying celestial laws that will make us candidates for celestial glory; or we are living terrestrial laws that will make us candidates for terrestrial glory; or telestial.
- 1977 , August , Bruce R. McConkie , A New Commandment: Save Thyself and Thy Kindred! , Theirs is an everlasting terrestrial inheritance because they rejected the truth when it was offered to them in mortality.
- (broadcasting) Broadcast using radio waves as opposed to satellite or cable.