Edit page | Page history | Printable version

telluric

1. Of or pertaining to the earth; proceeding from the earth. Amid these hot, telluric flames. (Carlyle)

2. (Science: chemistry) Of or pertaining to tellurium; derived from, or resembling, tellurium; specifically, designating those compounds in which the element has a higher valence as contrasted with tellurous compounds; as, telluric acid, which is analogous to sulphuric acid.

(Science: chemical) Telluric bismuth, hessite.

Origin: L. Tellus, -uris, the earth: cf. F. Tellurique.