terra incognita

[ ter-uh in-kog-ni-tuh, in-kog-nee-; Latin ter-rah in-kawg-ni-tah ]

noun

1. an unknown or unexplored land, region, or subject.

terra incognita

/ ˈtɛrə ɪnˈkɒɡnɪtə /

noun

1. an unexplored or unknown land, region, or area for study

Example Sentences

This is really quite intriguing as we do not know much about these parts of the genome; our work shows there is benefit in exploring further this genetic terra incognita.'

From Science Daily

Let them believe that the Puget Sound region is terra incognita and perhaps they won’t come out here.

From Seattle Times

On the map, the far northwest corner was labeled “terra incognita” with borders trailing off into an indistinct mist and sea monsters lurking in the curling waves.

From Seattle Times

For many years, the human Y chromosome was terra incognita.

From Scientific American

Anderson’s passion is to bring his music to Navajo children for whom such sounds remain terra incognita.

From New York Times

Related Words

• backcountry
• outback