terrestrial
UK: təˈrɛstriəl | US: təˈrɛstriəl
adj. relating to the earth or land (as opposed to water or air)
adj. (of animals or plants) living or growing on land
n. an inhabitant of the earth (often contrasted with extraterrestrial)
Derived from Latin terrestris, from terra ("earth") + -stris (a suffix related to standing or being). The root terra (earth) is foundational in words like "terrain" and "territory," while -stris implies connection or position. Over time, terrestris evolved into "terrestrial" in English, retaining its core meaning of "earthly" or "land-based." The suffix -ial standardizes it as an adjective. The word contrasts with "celestial" (heavenly) and "aquatic" (water-based), emphasizing its terrestrial focus.
Terrestrial ecosystems include forests, deserts, and grasslands.
Unlike fish, frogs are terrestrial in their adult stage.
Scientists study terrestrial planets like Earth and Mars.
The documentary compared terrestrial and marine life forms.
Some birds are terrestrial, foraging primarily on the ground.