Definition

A small model of the Earth or a celestial body, often used for educational purposes.

Example

The teacher used a terrella to demonstrate the Earth's rotation and revolution around the sun.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a model of a terrella?

No, I haven't. What is it?

It's a small globe that represents the Earth with a magnetic field.

Oh, that sounds interesting! I'd love to learn more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'terrella' comes from Latin 'terra' (meaning earth or land) and the diminutive suffix '-ella' (meaning small or little). Therefore, 'terrella' refers to a small earth or a small globe, often used in a scientific context to describe a model of the Earth.

Memory Tip

Think of 'terra' meaning earth and '-ella' meaning small — so a terrella is like a little model of the Earth.

Visually Confused Words