terrace

n. [ F. terrasse (cf. Sp. terraza, It. terrazza), fr. L. terra the earth, probably for tersa, originally meaning, dry land, and akin to torrere to parch, E. torrid, and thirst. See Thirst, and cf. Fumitory, Inter, v., Patterre, Terrier, Trass, Tureen, Turmeric. ] 1. A raised level space, shelf, or platform of earth, supported on one or more sides by a wall, a bank of tuft, or the like, whether designed for use or pleasure. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A balcony, especially a large and uncovered one. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A flat roof to a house; as, the buildings of the Oriental nations are covered with terraces. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A street, or a row of houses, on a bank or the side of a hill; hence, any street, or row of houses. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Geol.) A level plain, usually with a steep front, bordering a river, a lake, or sometimes the sea. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Many rivers are bordered by a series of terraces at different levels, indicating the flood plains at successive periods in their history. [ 1913 Webster ]

Terrace epoch. (Geol.) See Drift epoch, under Drift, a. [ 1913 Webster ]