earth

The planet where people, animals, and plants live.

• We live on Earth.
• The Earth moves around the sun.
• Astronauts photographed Earth from space.

Similar words: world, globe

Common phrases: planet earth, on earth, earth’s surface

The loose material on the ground in which plants grow.

• The earth was soft after the rain.
• She dug a hole in the earth.
• Fresh earth covered the roots of the tree.

Similar words: soil, dirt

Common phrases: damp earth, dig the earth, patch of earth

Material from the ground, such as soil, sand, or broken rock.

• Trucks carried earth away from the site.
• The wall was built from packed earth.
• Workers removed tons of earth to make the tunnel.

Similar words: ground material

Common phrases: excavated earth, pile of earth, move the earth

A planet or imagined world similar to the one where we live.

• The story takes place on another earth.
• Scientists searched for a second earth among distant planets.
• The travelers discovered several earths in parallel universes.

Similar words: world, planet

Common phrases: another earth, parallel earth, different earth

One of the basic materials ancient thinkers believed made up the world, along with air, fire, and water.

• Earth was one of the classical elements.
• The philosopher linked earth with solid matter.
• The diagram places earth beside water.

Common phrases: earth element, earth and water, earth and fire

One of five forces in traditional Chinese thought, associated with soil, stability, and the center.

• Earth is one of the five Chinese elements.
• This chart places earth at the center.
• The cycle connects earth with metal.

Common phrases: earth element, earth and metal, earth phase

To connect electrical equipment to the ground so unwanted electricity can flow away safely.

• You must earth this appliance.
• The electrician earthed the metal casing.
• Is the equipment properly earthed?

Similar words: ground

Common phrases: earth an appliance, earth electrical equipment, earth the circuit