1. A horizontal or gently sloping embankment of earth along the contours of a slope to reduce erosion, control runoff, or conserve moisture. 2. A narrow coastal strip sloping gently toward the water. 3. A long, narrow, nearly level surface bounded by a steeper descending slope on one side and by a steeper ascending slope on the other side. 4. A benchlike structure bordering an undersea feature. 5. In geology, a terrace is a level plain, usually with a steep front, bordering a river, a lake, or sometimes the sea. Many rivers are bordered by a series of terraces at different levels, indicating the flood plains at successive periods in their history.
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