Word of the Day

: October 4, 2009

terreplein

noun TAIR-uh-playn

What It Means

: the level space behind a parapet of a rampart where guns are mounted

terreplein in Context

Children love to climb on the defunct cannons that sit at each of the old fort's terrepleins, creating a perfect photo op for parents.

Did You Know?

Like "parapet" and "rampart," "terreplein" dates back to the 16th century. "Rampart" is the oldest of this trio; earliest evidence of the word in English is from 1536. From the Middle French word "ramparer," meaning "to fortify," it refers specifically to the broad embankment that forms the main part of a fort. The word for the protective wall on top of the rampart, "parapet," dates to 1590 and comes from Italian "parare" ("to shield") and "petto" ("chest"). The earliest evidence for today's word, "terreplein," is from only a year later. It comes (by way of Middle French) from Old Italian "terrapieno," which traces to Medieval Latin "terra plenus," meaning "filled with earth."