a. (sb.) [ad. L. terricola earth-dweller, f. terra earth + col-ĕre to inhabit.]

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  1.  Bot. Growing on the ground, as some lichens.

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1882.  J. M. Crombie, in Encycl. Brit., XIV. 562/1. With respect to terricole species [of lichens], some prefer peaty soil…, others calcareous soil.

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  2.  Zool. Living on the ground or in the earth.

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1899.  Proc. Zool. Soc., 6 June, 715. Some living specimens or the ‘Harmut,’ Clarias lazera…, from Damietta…. This curious Siluroid Fish … Mr. Boulenger was not able to confirm … the account of its terricole habits.

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  B.  sb. 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.

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1896.  Naturalist, 78. The head-pore of aquatic species is wanting in adult terricoles.

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