terrane

noun

ter·​rane tə-ˈrān How to pronounce terrane (audio)
te-
1
: the area or surface over which a particular rock or group of rocks is prevalent
2

Examples of terrane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beyond that is hilly terrane that is mostly volcanic material that make up most of the surface of Mars. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2021 The hummocky terrane leading away from Mount St. Helens after the May 19, 1980 eruption. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 8 Jan. 2019 The Alps have some of the most rugged terrane anywhere on Earth thanks to the active tectonics and the recent record of glaciers. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 3 July 2018 The mountain terrane of western North America cross the borders of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico with reckless abandon. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 22 Jan. 2019 The volcanic plains on the near side of the moon are home to a group of elements including potassium, rare earth elements, phosphorous among others – known as Procellarum KREEP terrane (PKT) that is rare elsewhere on the moon. Katie Hunt, CNN, 11 Apr. 2022

Word History

Etymology

alteration of terrain

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrane was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near terrane

Cite this Entry

“Terrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrane. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on terrane

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!