terrace
terrace Lexical Profile
terrace Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A level, paved outdoor area adjoining a building, often used for dining or recreation.
"We enjoyed our morning coffee on the sunlit terrace overlooking the garden."
A flat, raised level of land with vertical or sloping sides, traditionally constructed in a series on a hillside to create arable land for agriculture or to prevent soil erosion.
"The ancient Incas carved massive agricultural terraces into the steep Andean mountainsides."
British A continuous row of similar houses situated side by side and sharing common party walls.
"They bought a modest house in a Victorian terrace in South London."
• verb
To form sloping land into a series of level, flat areas resembling steps to facilitate farming or prevent soil runoff.
"Local farmers terraced the steep hillsides centuries ago to cultivate rice."
To provide a building or outdoor property with a terrace.
"The architect carefully terraced the rear of the property to maximize the sweeping ocean views."
• Rhymes for terrace
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old French 'terrasse', via Old Occitan 'terrassa', derived from the Latin 'terra' meaning 'earth' or 'land'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.