terrain

American  

[tuh-reyn] / təˈreɪn /

noun

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

2. Geology.  terrane.

---

terrain British  

/ təˈreɪn, ˈtɛreɪn /

noun

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

   radio reception can be difficult in mountainous terrain

   a rocky terrain

2. a variant spelling of terrane

---

Etymology

Origin of terrain

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

Example Sentences

The terrain of the Llanos de Moxos is filled with geometric forms that reveal themselves on closer inspection.

From Science Daily

"They need the help of someone who knows the terrain very well."

From BBC

She and her grandmother raced to a relative's house on higher terrain.

From BBC

Navigation involves the challenge of a robot getting from point A to point B. This may involve unknown terrain, stairs and obstacles.

From The Wall Street Journal

Photographs show a scorched and mangled drone, and satellite images reveal the extent of the damage to the terrain.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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