First Known Use: 1515
Dictionary
1terrace
noun ter·race \ˈter-əs, ˈte-rəs\
: a flat area created on the side of a hill and used especially for growing crops
: a flat area next to a building where people can sit and relax
: a row of houses that are joined together : a group of row houses
Full Definition of TERRACE
1
a : a colonnaded porch or promenade b : a flat roof or open platform c : a relatively level paved or planted area adjoining a building
2
a : a raised embankment with the top leveled b : one of usually a series of horizontal ridges made in a hillside to increase cultivatable land, conserve moisture, or minimize erosion
3
: a level ordinarily narrow plain usually with steep front bordering a river, lake, or sea; also : a similar undersea feature
4
a : a row of houses or apartments on raised ground or a sloping site b : a group of row houses c : a strip of park in the middle of a street often planted with trees or shrubs d : street
5
: a section of a British soccer stadium set aside for standing spectators
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Origin of TERRACE
Middle French, platform, terrace, from Old French, from Old Occitan terrassa, from terra earth, from Latin, earth, land; akin to Latin torrēre to parch — more at thirst
Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms
2terrace
transitive verb
ter·racedter·rac·ing
Definition of TERRACE
1
: to provide (as a building or hillside) with a terrace
2
: to make into a terrace
First Known Use of TERRACE
1650
TERRACE Defined for Kids
1terrace
noun ter·race \ˈter-əs\
Definition of TERRACE for Kids
1
: a level area next to a building
2
: a raised piece of land with the top leveled <Rice is planted in terraces on sides of the hill.>
3
: a row of houses on raised ground or a slope
Word Root of TERRACE
The Latin word terra, meaning “earth,” “land,” or “ground,” gives us the root terr. Words from the Latin terra have something to do with the earth or land. A territory is an area of land ruled by a particular government. A terrace is a piece of land with a flat top. Anything terrestrial lives on land and not in water.
2terrace
verb
ter·racedter·rac·ing
Definition of TERRACE for Kids
: to form into a terrace or supply with terraces <Rice growers terrace hillsides.>
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