2. The softer inorganic matter composing part of the surface of the globe, in distinction from the firm rock; soil of all kinds, including gravel, clay, loam, and the like; sometimes, soil favorable to the growth of plants; the visible surface of the globe; the ground; as, loose earth; rich earth. "Give him a little earth for charity." (Shak)
4. Earth is used either adjectively or in combination to form compound words; as, earth apple or earth-apple; earth metal or earth-metal; earth closet or earth-closet. Adamic earth, Bitter earth, Bog earth, Chian earth, etc. See Adamic, Bitter, etc. Alkaline earths. See Alkaline. Earth apple.
Origin: AS. Eore; akin to OS. Ertha, OFries. Irthe, D. Aarde, OHG. Erda, G. Erde, Icel. Jor, Sw. & Dan. Jord, Goth. Airpa, OHG. Ero, Gr, adv, to earth, and perh. To E. Ear to plow.
(25 Jun 1999)
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