terricole, a. (n.)
(ˈtɛrɪkəʊl)
[ad. L. terricola earth-dweller, f. terra earth + col-ĕre to inhabit.]
A. adj.
1. Bot. Growing on the ground, as some lichens.
| 1882 J. M. Crombie in Encycl. Brit. XIV. 562/1 With respect to terricole species [of lichens], some prefer peaty soil.., others calcareous soil. |
2. Zool. Living on the ground or in the earth.
| 1899 Proc. Zool. Soc. 6 June 715 Some living specimens of the ‘Harmut’, Clarias lazera.., from Damietta..This curious Siluroid Fish..Mr. Boulenger was not able to confirm..the account of its terricole habits. |
B. n. An animal living on the ground, or burrowing in the earth; spec. a member of the Terricolæ, a group of annelids containing the common earthworm.
| 1896 Naturalist 78 The head-pore of aquatic species is wanting in adult terricoles. |