environment

en·vi·ron·ment

noun \in-ˈvī-rə(n)-mənt, -ˈvī(-ə)r(n)-\

Definition of ENVIRONMENT

1

: the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded

2

a : the complex of physical, chemical, and biotic factors (as climate, soil, and living things) that act upon an organism or an ecological community and ultimately determine its form and survival

b : the aggregate of social and cultural conditions that influence the life of an individual or community

3

: the position or characteristic position of a linguistic element in a sequence

4

: a computer interface from which various tasks can be performed <a programming environment>

— en·vi·ron·men·tal \-ˌvī-rə(n)-ˈmen-t^əl, -ˌvī(-ə)r(n)-\ adjective

— en·vi·ron·men·tal·ly \-t^əl-ē\ adverb

Examples of ENVIRONMENT

1. He grew up in a loving environment.
2. We're trying to create a better business environment.
3. These animals were raised in a controlled environment.
4. Many plants are unable to survive in such a harsh environment.
5. Heredity and environment are both important.
6. Pollution is bad for the environment.

First Known Use of ENVIRONMENT

1827

Related to ENVIRONMENT

Synonyms

ambient, atmosphere, climate, clime, context, contexture, environs, medium, milieu, mise-en-scène, setting, surround, surroundings, terrain

Related Words

location, place, position, space; backdrop, background; element; situation, status; geography, habitat; microenvironment

See Synonym Discussion at background

Other Ecology Terms

Malthusian, anthropogenic, biomass, carbon footprint, crepuscular, niche, sere, symbiosis, taiga, tundra

Rhymes with ENVIRONMENT

retirement

en·vi·ron·ment

noun \in-ˈvī-rən-mənt, -ˈvī(-ə)rn-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ENVIRONMENT

1

: the complex of physical, chemical, and biotic factors (as climate, soil, and living things) that act upon an organism or an ecological community and ultimately determine its form and survival

2

: the aggregate of social and cultural conditions that influence the life of an individual or community

—en·vi·ron·men·tal \-ˌvī-rən-ˈment-^əl, -ˌvī(-ə)rn-\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

—en·vi·ron·men·tal·ly \-^əl-ē\ (audio pronunciation) adverb