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-təl, -ˌvī(-ə)r(n)-\ adjective
— en·vi·ron·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb
Examples of ENVIRONMENT
- He grew up in a loving environment.
- We're trying to create a better business environment.
- These animals were raised in a controlled environment.
- Many plants are unable to survive in such a harsh environment.
- Heredity and environment are both important.
- 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
See Synonym Discussion at background
Other Ecology Terms
Rhymes with ENVIRONMENT
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
Learn More About ENVIRONMENT
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