terrain

[tuh-reyn]

noun

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

2. Geology.,  terrane.

terrain

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrain¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrain¹

C18: from French, ultimately from Latin terrēnum ground, from terra earth

Example Sentences

But steep terrain, limited road access and the approaching severe weather are complicating the cleanup.

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Then she turned page after page, examining every bit of terrain that lay between her and where she most longed to be.

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The only additional interaction they’ll have is for health checkups or, when the time comes, lugging the cub and his mama through tough mountain terrain to a new enclosure.

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Chengdu-Chongqing has fertile and relatively level terrain, while the Central Plains combine flat landscapes with ample water.

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Urban search-and-rescue and swift-water rescue teams have been staged in the San Fernando Valley, while seven brush patrol vehicles are prepared to quickly reach narrow streets in high-risk terrain.

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Related Words

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