1. earth or land, especially as distinguished from water
Usage: formal; often used in scientific or technical contexts
2. a particular area or region of land
Usage: formal

Examples

• The spacecraft finally made contact with terra firma after months in space.
• Ancient maps often labeled unknown regions as ‘terra incognita.’
• The explorers were relieved to reach terra after weeks at sea.
• Scientists study the composition of terra to understand geological processes.
• The treaty defined the boundaries of each nation’s terra.
• Early cartographers used the term terra to distinguish land masses from oceans.