terrain

[ tuh-reyn ]

noun

1. a tract of land, especially as considered with reference to its natural features, military advantages, etc.
2. Geology. terrane.

terrain

/ təˈreɪn; ˈtɛreɪn /

noun

1. ground or a piece of ground, esp with reference to its physical character or military potential

   a rocky terrain

   radio reception can be difficult in mountainous terrain

2. a variant spelling of terrane

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrain¹

1720–30; < French ≪ Vulgar Latin *terrānum, noun use of neuter of *terrānus of land. See terra, -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrain¹

C18: from French, ultimately from Latin terrēnum ground, from terra earth

Example Sentences

It’s both “familiar,” and “unfamiliar terrain,” Njoku said.

From Salon

Day four has been described as his "toughest day" as he navigates through Dumfriesshire into Lanarkshire on "tricky rural terrain".

From BBC

Often, in spite of its spoiled political terrain, L.A., like the bird of paradise, found a way to sprout.

From Los Angeles Times

For Doupe, who is just 23 and is from the Republic of Ireland, the Troubles represented less familiar terrain.

From Los Angeles Times

“The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep rugged terrain. Threats remain to critical infrastructure, highways and communities,” according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as Cal Fire.

From Salon

Related Words

• area
• contour
• field
• ground
• land
• province
• region
• soil
• territory
• topography
• turf