ScienceAugust 16, 2026

terrestrial

tuh-RES-tree-uhl

Definition

Relating to or consisting of land, specifically used here to describe the four rocky, Earth-like planets closest to the Sun.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'terrestris', meaning 'earthly' or 'of the earth,' which comes from the root 'terra' meaning 'earth' or 'land.'

In the news

The article uses the term to categorize Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars as the inner rocky worlds, helping to contextualize why studying their formation is crucial for understanding how habitable environments develop.

Japan aims for the moons of Mars

Read the full article ↗

Macau Business

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