earth

[ urth ]
/ ɜrθ /

noun

verb (used with object)

Chiefly British Electronics. to ground.

Idioms for earth

Origin of earth

before 950; Middle English erthe, Old English eorthe; cognate with German Erde, Dutch aarde, Old Norse jǫrth, Danish jord, Gothic airtha

SYNONYMS FOR earth

3 Earth, globe, world are terms applied to the planet on which we dwell. Earth is used especially in speaking of a condition of existence contrasted with that in heaven or hell: those who are yet on earth. Globe formerly emphasized merely the roundness of the earth: to circumnavigate the globe. It is now used more like world, with especial application to the inhabitants of the earth and their activities, interests, and concerns. In this sense, both globe and world are more inclusive than earth and are used more abstractly: the politics of the globe; the future of the world; One World.

British Dictionary definitions for on earth

earth
/ (ɜːθ) /

noun

verb

(intr) (of a hunted fox) to go to ground
(tr) to connect (a circuit, device, etc) to earth
See also earth up

Word Origin for earth

Old English eorthe; related to Old Norse jorth, Old High German ertha, Gothic airtha, Greek erā

Medical definitions for on earth

earth
[ ûrth ]

n.

Any of several metallic oxides, such as alumina or zirconia, from which it is difficult to remove oxygen. No longer in technical use.

Scientific definitions for on earth

Earth
[ ûrth ]

The third planet from the Sun and the densest planet in the solar system. Earth is a terrestrial or inner planet consisting of a thin outer crust, an intermediate mantle, and a dense inner core. It has an atmosphere composed primarily of nitrogen and oxygen and is the only planet on which water in liquid form exists, covering more than 70 percent of its surface. It is also the only planet on which life is known to have evolved, occupying the relatively thin region of water, land, and air known as the biosphere. Earth has a single, relatively large natural satellite, the Moon. See more at atmosphere core crust mantle. See Table at solar system.
earth
Electricity See ground.

Cultural definitions for on earth

Earth

The planet on which we live — the third planet from the sun.

notes for Earth

The Earth was formed at the same time as the sun, about 4.6 billion years ago.

notes for Earth

It consists of an inner core made of iron and nickel, an outer core of liquid metal, a mantle, and, on the outside, a crust.

notes for Earth

The surface of the solid Earth is in a state of constant change as the rock is moved around by the processes of plate tectonics.

notes for Earth

On the Earth's surface, the oceans and the continents form the stage on which the evolution of life takes place. The atmosphere above the surface circulates, producing the daily weather.

Idioms and Phrases with on earth (1 of 2)

on earth

1

Also, in creation; in the world. Ever, anywhere, of all possible things. These phrases are all used for emphasis in questions or, less often, in a negative context. For example, What on earth is he doing with a spade? or Where in creation did that child go? or How in the world do you expect me to carry all those bags? [Late 1700s]

2

like nothing on earth. Incomparable. For example, That perfume smells like nothing on earth, or Her new hair color is like nothing on earth. [c. 1900]

Idioms and Phrases with on earth (2 of 2)

earth

see down to earth; ends of the earth; four corners of the earth; move heaven and earth; not have an earthly chance; on earth; run to earth; salt of the earth.