terrestre

terrestrial, land-based

adjective teh-REH-struh Rare

Origin: Latin terrestris (of the earth)

Also means

earthly (vs. heavenly)

Usage Note

Terrestre contrasts with marin (marine), aérien (aerial), or céleste (heavenly) depending on context. La vie terrestre means earthly life (as opposed to eternal life), while transport terrestre means land transport. It is invariable for gender: un animal terrestre, une plante terrestre. The noun Terre (Earth) shares the Latin root.

Examples

"Les tortues sont des animaux terrestres et aquatiques."

Natural Translation

Turtles are both land and aquatic animals.

Literal Translation

Turtles are terrestrial and aquatic animals.

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