\Ter"race\, 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.
2. A balcony, especially a large and uncovered one.
3. A flat roof to a house; as, the buildings of the Oriental
   nations are covered with terraces.
4. A street, or a row of houses, on a bank or the side of a
   hill; hence, any street, or row of houses.
5. (Geol.) A level plain, usually with a steep front,
   bordering a river, a lake, or sometimes the sea.
Note: Many rivers are bordered by a series of terraces at
      different levels, indicating the flood plains at
      successive periods in their history.
{Terrace epoch}. (Geol.) See {Drift epoch}, under {Drift}, a.

\Ter"race\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Terraced}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Terracing}.]
To form into a terrace or terraces; to furnish with a terrace
or terraces, as, to terrace a garden, or a building. --Sir H.
Wotton.
      Clermont's terraced height, and Esher's groves.
                                               --Thomson.