all-terrainadj.
/ˌɔːltᵻˈreɪn/, /ˌɔːltɛˈreɪn/, U.S. /ˌɔltəˈreɪn/, /ˌɑltəˈreɪn/, /ˌɔltɛˈreɪn/, /ˌɑltɛˈreɪn/ Originally U.S.
Designating a vehicle or equipment designed for use on rough or difficult terrain. Also (of driving, cycling, etc.): done on rough or difficult terrain, making use of this type of vehicle or equipment.Recorded earliest in all-terrain vehicle n. at Compounds.
ΚΠ
1956 Lima (Ohio) News 14 June 7/1 Army is said to be interested in the craft as an all-terrain vehicle.
1978 Field & Stream Jan. 110/2 (advt.) All-terrain tires; front and back shocks.
1986 Rotarian June 25/2 Although all-terrain biking is a relatively recent development, it's a sport clearly destined for the fast lane.
1991 Yours Feb. 40/1 You could..try your hand at four-wheel all-terrain driving.
1992 N. Stephenson Snow Crash xl. 285 The New South Africans get into their all-terrain pickups.
2002 Getaway Dec. 62/1 (advt.) These 100% waterproof, all terrain boots have durable rubber soles.
2006 New Yorker 1 May 70/1 There are also a few all-terrain quad bikes.
Compounds
all-terrain vehicle n. originally U.S. a motor vehicle designed for use on rough or difficult terrain, spec. a small open vehicle with one seat and three or more wheels fitted with large tyres; abbreviated ATV (see ATV n. at A n. Initialisms).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > [noun] > motor vehicle > for all types of terrain
all-terrain vehicle1956
overlander1957
ATV1969
Humvee1982
Hummer1983
1956All-terrain vehicle [see main sense].
1969 Pop. Sci. Jan. 78/2 Latest all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is the zippy Attex, a six-wheeled amphibian for wilderness penetrators.
1973 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 5 July 1/7 The select committee studying motorized snow vehicles and all terrain vehicles spent the better part of a day's sitting listening to an expert about noise.
2001 National Post (Canada) 2 June a9/1 She told them excitedly that a classmate was taking her that evening for a ride on his all-terrain vehicle.
all-terrain bike n. originally U.S. a robust bicycle or three-wheeled motorbike able to travel on all kinds of surface; abbreviated ATB (see ATB n. at A n. Initialisms).
ΚΠ
1966 Nevada State Jrnl. 8 Sept. 36/4 (advt.) Tule trooper..a new all terrain bike..take a ride—then decide.
1991 Which? Aug. 440/1 The mountain or all-terrain bike (ATB) is a more rugged, off-road machine.
2008 Illawarra (Austral.) Mercury (Nexis) 3 May 2 The 18-year-old pleaded guilty to breaking into Corrimal surf club and stealing an all-terrain bike.
all-terrain cycle n. originally U.S. = all-terrain bike n.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicle propelled by feet > [noun] > cycle > bicycle > other types of bicycle
forty-four1821
roadster1875
rear-steerer1882
pneumatic1890
path-racer1896
featherweight1901
free-wheeler1908
fairy cycle1920
superbike1935
sit-up-and-beg1939
bakfiets1956
high-riser1965
all-terrain cycle1970
chopper1971
mountain bike1972
shopper1973
mixte1975
BMX1978
cruiser1978
ojek1983
boda boda1995
e-bike1998
fixie2001
ghost bike2004
1970 Enterprise (Lynnwood, Washington) 23 Sept. 20/2 (advt.) Here it is..Hondas (All Terrain Cycle).
1981 Time 9 Nov. 111/1 Honda..currently controls 90% of the market with its fire-model line of ATCs (All Terrain Cycles).
2004 Post-Standard (N.Y.) 7 Dec. (Holiday section) f12/4 The all-terrain cycle comes with decorative spokes, a riveted flat back saddle and extra wide tires.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2012; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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adj.1956