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

The terrain is mountainous, with parts covered by thick forests making it easy for migrants to go undetected.

From BBC

“It will be an epic challenge,” he says, to deploy such a dense network across the high-altitude terrain with scant infrastructure.

From Science Magazine

"This could also apply to new terrain that forms after earthquakes or landslides where you have more or less the same situation, a mineral or rock-based substrate."

From Science Daily

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

Related Words

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