earthward

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   toward the earth or ground

   The damaged aircraft drifted earthward through the clouds.

2. 2
   adj

   directed or facing toward the earth or ground

   The flower's earthward curve hid its petals from view.

From Middle English ertheward, a compound of earth + the directional suffix -ward. Earth descends from Old English eorthe, while -ward comes from Old English -weard, 'turned toward.' The form can function as either an adverb or an adjective.

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