parterre

par·terre  (pär-târ)

n.

1. An ornamental flower garden having the beds and paths arranged to form a pattern.

2. See parquet circle.

---

[French, from Old French, ornamental garden, from par terre, on the ground : par, over, on; see paramount + terre, ground (from Old French, from Latin terra, earth; see ters- in Indo-European roots).]

---

parterre

Noun

1. a formally patterned flower garden

2. the pit of a theatre [French]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	parterre - an ornamental flower garden; beds and paths are arranged to form a pattern flower garden - a garden featuring flowering plants
	2.	parterre - seating at the rear of the main floor (beneath the balconies) parquet circle seating, seating area, seating room, seats - an area that includes places where several people can sit; "there is seating for 40 students in this classroom" theater, theatre, house - a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented; "the house was full"