Terrans

Terrans are a term used in science fiction to describe humans or human civilizations, particularly those living beyond or spreading from Earth. The word derives from Latin terra, meaning earth or land. In many works, Terrans are contrasted with alien species and are depicted as possessing human cultures, politics, and technology, but located on Earth or in space colonies. The usage emphasizes humanity's identity as a spacefaring species.

In StarCraft, Terrans are one of the three core playable races. They originated as survivors who fled Earth to colonize the Koprulu Sector, developing a skillful, adaptable, and pragmatic society. Their political landscape has included the Terran Confederacy and, later, the Terran Dominion under Arcturus Mengsk.

In broader science fiction, Terrans may be used to refer to humans in interstellar empires, such as those living on Earth or on independent colonies known as Terran worlds. The term helps distinguish human actors from aliens and other sapients within large fictional universes.