terrain

Everyday

1. A stretch of land, especially as to what it is like: hilly, rocky, flat, muddy or rough. tree →
2. (figurative) An area of knowledge or activity: "Algebra was new terrain for her." tree →

In the lessons

In geography lessons terrain is described by its features: mountains, valleys, plains, deserts. In stories and adventure books rough terrain makes journeys hard. Vehicles and bikes are called "all-terrain" if they can travel over any kind of ground. In video games, terrain is the ground the player moves on. Phrases: rough terrain, rocky terrain, all-terrain vehicle, difficult terrain.

Examples

• The hikers crossed rocky terrain. tree →
• Mountain bikes are made for rough terrain. tree →
• The terrain in the Outback is dry and flat. tree →
• An all-terrain vehicle can drive over sand and mud. tree →
• The soldiers knew the terrain well. tree →
• The map shows the terrain with contour lines. tree →
• Coding was new terrain for our class. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable (rough terrain, not a rough terrain), though "terrains" is possible. Stress on the second syllable: ter-RAIN. Do not confuse with "terrier" (a dog) or "territory" (an area owned or controlled by someone).