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
Terra preta is usually found near archaeological sites and contains charcoal, organic matter from food remains—such as fish and animal bones—and ancient artifacts such as pottery shards, hinting that ancient civilizations contributed to its formation.
From Science Magazine ● Sep. 19, 2023
To figure how the Kuikuro make this modern terra preta, Schmidt—who has been working in the region for more than 20 years—teamed up with Kuikuro villagers including co-author Taku Wate Kuikuro.
From Science Magazine ● Sep. 19, 2023
The treated waste can then be collected and made into terra preta at a professional communal composting site.
From Nature ● Jun. 13, 2012
One of the biggest patches of terra preta is on the high bluffs at the mouth of the Tapajos, near Santarem.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
