telluric

¹

[ te-loor-ik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the earth; terrestrial.
2. of or proceeding from the earth or soil.

telluric

²

[ te-loor-ik ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. of or containing tellurium, especially in the hexavalent state.
2. containing tellurium in a higher valence state than the corresponding tellurous compound.

telluric

¹

/ tɛˈlʊərɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or originating on or in the earth or soil; terrestrial, esp in reference to natural electrical or magnetic fields
2. astronomy (of spectral lines or bands) observed in the spectra of celestial objects and caused by oxygen, water vapour, and carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere

telluric

²

/ tɛˈlʊərɪk /

adjective

1. of or containing tellurium, esp in a high valence state

Word History and Origins

Origin of telluric¹

1830–40; < Latin tellūr- (stem of tellūs ) earth + -ic

Origin of telluric²

First recorded in 1790–1800; tellur(ium) + -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of telluric¹

C19: from Latin tellūs the earth

Origin of telluric²

C20: from tellur ( ium ) + -ic

Example Sentences

The very first hint of chemical periodicity was announced by a French engineer, Alexandre-Émile de Chancourtois, who also designed a three-dimensional periodic system that he named the telluric screw.

From Scientific American

Each night, immediately following the observations of the scientific standard, telluric standard stars were also observed, at an airmass comparable to the target airmass.

From Nature

Maya used to read the dictionary with her beloved grandfather, something we're reminded of when she drops words such as "lapidary" and "telluric".

From The Guardian

The so-called “telluric lines” seen in the solar spectrum, are due to water vapour in the earth’s atmosphere.

From Project Gutenberg

It would then follow that the concurrence of suitable meteorologic and telluric conditions with sufficient time for its growth and maturity were merely accessories to its perfect development.

From Project Gutenberg