preta
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of preta
First recorded in 1810–15; from Sanskrit: literally, “gone forth, gone before, dead,” equivalent to prefix pra- “forth” + participle ita- “gone”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The fact that scientists are finding intact biochar in the Amazon’s ancient terra preta suggests that it’s happening.
From Salon • Mar. 7, 2025
In the Amazon, ancient people intentionally boosted soils with charcoal, creating terra preta, or “dark earth” areas that remain nutrient-rich today.
From Science Magazine • Dec. 12, 2023
To figure how the Kuikuro make this modern terra preta, Schmidt—who has been working in the region for more than 20 years—teamed up with Kuikuro villagers including co-author Taku Wate Kuikuro.
From Science Magazine • Sep. 19, 2023
Our research shows that these toilet systems and variations on the basic terra preta processes could work even in densely populated cities — a revolution indeed.
From Nature • Jun. 13, 2012
The earlier inhabitants left no trace of terra preta; the new villages quickly set down thick deposits of black earth.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
