from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Terrace \Ter"race\, n. [F. terrasse (cf. Sp. terraza, It.
terrazza), fr. L. terra the earth, probably for tersa,
originally meaning, dry land, and akin to torrere to parch,
E. torrid, and thirst. See {Thirst}, and cf. {Fumitory},
{Inter}, v., {Patterre}, {Terrier}, {Trass}, {Tureen},
{Turmeric}.]
1. A raised level space, shelf, or platform of earth,
supported on one or more sides by a wall, a bank of tuft,
or the like, whether designed for use or pleasure.
[1913 Webster]
2. A balcony, especially a large and uncovered one.
[1913 Webster]
3. A flat roof to a house; as, the buildings of the Oriental
nations are covered with terraces.
[1913 Webster]
4. A street, or a row of houses, on a bank or the side of a
hill; hence, any street, or row of houses.
[1913 Webster]
5. (Geol.) A level plain, usually with a steep front,
bordering a river, a lake, or sometimes the sea.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Many rivers are bordered by a series of terraces at
different levels, indicating the flood plains at
successive periods in their history.
[1913 Webster]
{Terrace epoch}. (Geol.) See {Drift epoch}, under {Drift}, a.
[1913 Webster]