Skip to content

The word for today is…

terraform (verb):

: to transform (a planet, moon, etc.) so that it is suitable for supporting human life

Source : Merriam -Webster

Etymology : In the world of science fiction, life finds a way. Such is the goal of terraforming, a concept that has long served as a sci-fi staple. In fact, the word terraform can be traced to the genre’s Golden Age: the first known use of terraform was by the science fiction writer Jack Williamson who, writing under the pseudonym Will Stewart, included the word in his 1942 story “Collision Orbit.” Terraform applies the Latin noun terra (“land, earth”) as a prefix to the English verb form (“to shape or develop”). (Terra is evidenced in many English words, including terrain, terrace, and terra-cotta.) You may ask, “what is the future of terraforming?” Suffice it to say, we have no earthly idea.

If you enjoyed this BFD word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.

Latest

A Postcard From Israel

A Postcard From Israel

Laura Dodsworth writes from the West Bank, where she finds Israeli towns filled with people committed to saving lives on orange 'ambucycles', and Palestinian towns filled with piles of cars stolen from Israelis.

Members Public