earth\earth\, n. (elec.) the connection of any part an electric conductor with the ground; specif., the connection of a telegraph line with the ground through a fault or otherwise.
note: when the resistance of the earth connection is low it is termed a good earth.
earth \earth\ (?), n. [as. eor&?;e; akin to os. ertha, ofries. irthe, d. aarde, ohg. erda, g. erde, icel. j?r&?;, sw. & dan. jord, goth. aīrpa, ohg. ero, gr. &?;, adv., to earth, and perh. to e. ear to plow.]
1. the globe or planet which we inhabit; the world, in distinction from the sun, moon, or stars. also, this world as the dwelling place of mortals, in distinction from the dwelling place of spirits. that law preserves the earth a sphere and guides the planets in their course. rogers. in heaven, or earth, or under earth, in hell.
2. the solid materials which make up the globe, in distinction from the air or water; the dry land. god called the dry land earth. i. 10. he is pure air and fire, and the dull elements of earth and water never appear in him.
3. the softer inorganic matter composing part of the surface of the globe, in distinction from the firm rock; soil of all kinds, including gravel, clay, loam, and the like; sometimes, soil favorable to the growth of plants; the visible surface of the globe; the ground; as, loose earth; rich earth. give him a little earth for charity.
4. a part of this globe; a region; a country; land. would i had never trod this english earth.
5. worldly things, as opposed to spiritual things; the pursuits, interests, and allurements of this life. our weary souls by earth beguiled.
6. the people on the globe. the whole earth was of one language. xi. 1.
7. (chem.) (a) any earthy-looking metallic oxide, as alumina, glucina, zirconia, yttria, and thoria. (b) a similar oxide, having a slight alkaline reaction, as lime, magnesia, strontia, baryta.
8. a hole in the ground, where an animal hides himself; as, the earth of a fox. they [ferrets] course the poor conies out of their earths.
note: earth is used either adjectively or in combination to form compound words; as, earth apple or earth-apple; earth metal or earth-metal; earth closet or earth-closet.
similar words(54)
augsne, zeme; pasaule, zemeslode; cietzeme; pīšļi; iezemējums; ala; milzu nauda; ierakt zemē; aprušināt; iezemēt; iedzīt alā; nosēdināt