terra incognita
Originating from Latin, "terra incognita" means 'unknown land' and is used to describe unexplored territories or unfamiliar subjects.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1Geography
(historical, academic)A land or region that has not been explored or mapped.
Example
- In the 15th century, many parts of the world were considered terra incognita.
C1Metaphorical
(figurative, academic)A field or subject that is unfamiliar or not well understood.
Example
- Quantum physics was once a terra incognita for many scientists.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "terra incognita":
uncharted territoryterra firmauncharted watervirgin territoryno man's landhere be dragons