earth
earth Lexical Profile
earth Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The third planet from the Sun in the Solar System, characterized by liquid water oceans, an oxygen-rich atmosphere, and diverse life; the world on which humanity lives.
"Astronauts aboard the space station captured breathtaking photographs of Earth rising above the lunar horizon."
The loose, granular substance that makes up the surface of the ground, consisting of weathered rock and organic matter in which plants grow; soil or dirt.
"The gardener dug into the rich, dark earth to plant the tulip bulbs before the first frost."
The solid land surface of the globe as distinguished from the sea or the sky.
"After three weeks on the stormy ocean, the sailors were relieved to finally set foot on solid earth."
British An electrical connection between a circuit or piece of equipment and the ground, serving as a safety measure to prevent electric shock.
"The electrician checked the wiring to ensure that the metal appliance had a secure earth."
The underground burrow or lair of a burrowing animal, especially a fox or badger.
"The fox retreated into its earth beneath the roots of the old oak tree."
• verb
British To connect an electrical device or circuit to the ground for safety.
"All metallic water pipes in the building must be properly earthed to comply with safety regulations."
To cover or heap the roots or lower stems of a plant with soil for protection or blanching.
"In late spring, you should earth up the potato plants to protect the developing tubers from sunlight."
• Rhymes for earth
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'eorþe', meaning 'ground, soil, dry land, or the physical world', derived from Proto-Germanic '*ertho'. Unlike the other classical planets, which were named after Roman deities, Earth's name is purely Germanic in origin.