An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The hypothetical process of altering the environment (atmosphere, temperature, surface topography, or ecology) of another planet or moon to improve the chances of survival of an indigenous biology or to allow habitation by terrestrial life forms. See also → ecopoiesis.

See also: Verbal noun of → terraform. The term first appeared in a science fiction novel, Seetee Shock (1949) by Jack Williamson, an American science fiction writer; but the actual concept pre-dates this work.