terrestrial

[ tuh-res-tree-uhl ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, consisting of, or representing the earth as distinct from other planets.

   Synonyms: terrene

   Antonyms: celestial

2. of or relating to land as distinct from water.
3. Botany.
   1. growing on land; not aquatic.
   2. growing in the ground; not epiphytic or aerial.
4. Zoology. living on or in the ground; not aquatic, arboreal, or aerial.
5. of or relating to the earth or this world; worldly; mundane.

noun

1. an inhabitant of the earth, especially a human being.

terrestrial

/ təˈrɛstrɪəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the earth
2. of or belonging to the land as opposed to the sea or air
3. (of animals and plants) living or growing on the land
4. earthly, worldly, or mundane
5. (of television signals) sent over the earth's surface from a transmitter on land, rather than by satellite

noun

1. an inhabitant of the earth

terrestrial

/ tə-rĕs′trē-əl /

1. Relating to Earth or its inhabitants.
2. Relating to, living on, or growing on land.

Derived Forms

• terˈrestrialness, noun
• terˈrestrially, adverb

Other Words From

• ter·restri·al·ly adverb
• nonter·restri·al adjective noun
• preter·restri·al adjective
• super·ter·restri·al adjective
• under·ter·restri·al adjective
• unter·restri·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrestrial¹

First recorded in 1450–1550; late Middle English from Latin terrestri(s) “pertaining to earth” (derivative of terra “earth”) + -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrestrial¹

C15: from Latin terrestris, from terra earth

Synonym Study

See earthly.

Example Sentences

This makes it possible to use a satellite connection instead of terrestrial GSM networks, which guarantees coverage even in remote wilderness regions completely independent of local infrastructure.

From Science Daily

“I know E.T. wanted to go home, but I hope that if the movie took place in 2024 that my favorite extra terrestrial would come to my party instead.”

From Los Angeles Times

In letters written to the telecoms regulator earlier in October, seen by the BBC, Reliance repeatedly urged the creation of a "level playing field between satellite-based and terrestrial access services".

From BBC

Mars is more inhospitable to human occupation than the most punishing terrestrial environments, such as Antarctica and the remote desert.

From Los Angeles Times

The island has startling natural beauty, from lush vegetation to pristine white beaches, and is also home to the world’s biggest terrestrial arthropod - the coconut crab.

From BBC