Definition of dry land

The expression "dry land" is a phrase that refers to an area of the Earth's surface that is not covered by water. The term derives from the archaic English word "land," which originally meant any part of the Earth's surface, including both water and land. This Old English word "land" is derived from the Germanic word "landa," which meant a "cleared space," and was used to describe agricultural lands or regions cleared for settlement by ancient Germanic tribes. The contrasting term for land that is covered by water is "sea," also derived from an Old English word "sea," which originally referred to any large expanse of still or moving water, whether saltwater or freshwater. The word "sea" may have been influenced by the Old Norse word "mari," meaning "bitter water," reflecting the salty taste of sea water. The modern expressions "dry land" and "sea" both reflect the importance of water for human survival, as the concept of dry land denotes areas that can support human habitation, whereas the sea is a source of danger, opportunity, and connection to other lands. In summary, the origin of the word "dry land" can be traced back to the Old English word "land," which broadly referred to any part of the Earth's surface. The contrasting term "sea" derives from the Old English word denoting large expanses of water, salty or otherwise.