terrestrial globe
Americannoun
Usage
What does terrestrial globe mean? A terrestrial globe is a three-dimensional model of Earth. It’s usually just called a globe.The word terrestrial means relating to or representing Earth as distinct from other planets. There are also globes representing the moon and other planets, but globes of Earth are most common. A celestial globe is one that represents space and depicts the locations of stars and constellations.Terrestrial globes are associated with their use in classrooms for the subject of geography. They show Earth’s water, land, and often its national borders. They’re also often labeled with the names of countries, cities, bodies of water, and other features. Sometimes, they show the 3D topography of Earth’s surface—features like mountains and valleys.Example: Using a terrestrial globe is a great way to have your students learn about geography.
Etymology
Origin of terrestrial globe
First recorded in 1550–60
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.