terreplein en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈtɛə(ɹ)pleɪn/
- /ˈtɛɹəpleɪn/
Etymology
Originally a borrowing of Italian terrapieno (“earth-fill(ed)”), later altered after the model of French terreplein (now terre-plein). Its former misspellings arose from confusion of the second element of the name with Italian piano or French plain, plane (“flat, level”) based on the appearance of the earth-filled central platforms of walls.
Meanings
- (obsolete) The sloping earthen embankment behind a defensive wall.
- The level platform atop a wall, typically protected by a parapet and (strictly) distinguished from the slightly higher banquette used by its defenders.
- Any level base used by artillery in the field.
- Any earthen embankment with a broad level top, such as those used for a canal elevated above a valley floor.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| terraplain | alternative | lexicographic | |
| teraplene | alternative | lexicographic | |
| terreplaine | alternative | lexicographic | |
| terraplane | alternative | lexicographic | |
| terrepleine | alternative | lexicographic | |
| terreplain | alternative | lexicographic | |
| terraplana | alternative | lexicographic | |
| terraplene | alternative | lexicographic | |
| terre-plein | alternative | lexicographic | |
| terrepleins | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Synonyms
talus (sloping earthen embankment)
Translations (1)
fi vallikäytävä (level platform atop a wall)