terrestrial planet

[ tuh-res-tree-uhl plan-it ]

noun

, Astronomy.

1. a planet composed mostly of metals or silica rocks: in our solar system, the terrestrial planets are the four inner planets.

terrestrial planet

1. See inner planet

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrestrial planet¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

As a result, very low-mass stars host the majority of terrestrial planets by far.

From Science Daily

"This is a terrestrial planet that I would describe as Io on steroids," Kane said.

From Science Daily

A terrestrial planet's interior also influences its atmosphere.

From Science Daily

"An idea came to us, by looking at what's going on with the terrestrial planets in our own system," Triaud says.

From Science Daily

Understanding how these volatile elements made it to Earth helps planetary scientists like us better understand Earth’s geologic history, and it could teach us more about the habitability of terrestrial planets beyond Earth.

From Salon