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
Researchers compared terra preta collected from mounds bordering the ancient and historic villages’ plazas and roads with soil collected at the periphery of these sites.
From Science Magazine • Sep. 19, 2023
Systems using terra preta technology can help to solve two problems that plague many developing countries: poor soils and a lack of sanitation.
From Nature • Jun. 13, 2012
On a local level, terra preta is valuable enough for locals to dig it up and sell as potting soil, an activity that, alas, has already destroyed countless artifacts.
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.
