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

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See Synonym Discussion at background

Other Ecology Terms

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

Rhymes with ENVIRONMENT

retirement