terrestriality
|ter-res-tri-al-i-ty|
/təˌrɛˈstrɪælɪti/
relating to land; Earth-based
Etymology
'terrestriality' originates from Latin via the adjective 'terrestrial' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ity'. The Latin root is 'terra' meaning 'earth'.
'terrestriality' developed from Late Latin 'terrestris' ('of the earth'), through Medieval/Modern Latin and English adjective 'terrestrial' + the suffix '-ity' to form the noun 'terrestriality'.
Initially rooted in the idea 'of the earth' (from 'terra'), it came to denote specifically the state or quality of being land-based or Earth-related; this core meaning has remained but has been specialized in biological and planetary contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being terrestrial; living on or relating to the land rather than to water or air.
The terrestriality of many amphibian species restricts them to specific moist habitats.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
the characteristic of being of or pertaining to the Earth (as opposed to celestial or extraterrestrial).
Researchers examine terrestriality when comparing Earth's geology with that of other planets.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/09 17:10