adj
terrestrial
tih-REHST-rih-uhl
adj
1
Relating to the Earth or its land, as opposed to sea, sky, or space.
"Terrestrial life is thought to have begun in the oceans."
2
Living or growing on land rather than in water.
"Tortoises are terrestrial, while turtles spend most of their time in water."
3
Broadcast using ground-based radio signals rather than satellite or cable.
"The channel is available on terrestrial television as well as online."
How to Use Terrestrial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to land or Earth — used for wildlife habitats, planets, and (in the UK) regular TV broadcasting.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
terrestrial television
terrestrial life
terrestrial planet
Word Forms
Terrestrials plural
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_____ life is thought to have begun in the oceans.
Etymology
From Latin terrestris, "of the earth," from terra, "land, earth."