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Earth

/ərθ/
/əθ/
IPA guide

Other forms: Earths

Earth is the planet we all live on, third from the Sun in our solar system. Many astronauts say it's awe-inspiring to see Earth from outer space.

Earth is the only planet in our solar system known to harbor life. While its name is derived from the Old English eorþe, meaning "ground," about 71 percent of Earth's surface is covered with water — an essential ingredient for life as we know it. Earth orbits the Sun in the star's "habitable zone" that's not too hot or too cold. And Earth is shielded from the Sun's solar radiation by a magnetic field generated by Earth's churning iron core. Earth's oxygen-rich atmosphere also makes the planet hospitable to life.

Definitions of Earth
  1. noun
    the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
    “the Earth moves around the sun”
    synonyms: earth, globe, world
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    example of:
    terrestrial planet
    a planet having a compact rocky surface like the Earth's; the four innermost planets in the solar system
  2. noun
    the abode of mortals (as contrasted with Heaven or Hell)
    synonyms: earth
    see moresee less
    type of:
    location
    a point or extent in space
Pronunciation
US
/ərθ/
UK
/əθ/
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