acclimatory

adjective

ac·​clim·​a·​to·​ry ə-ˈklī-mə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: of or relating to the physiological adjustment made by an organism to a change in its immediate environment

Land plants … have developed sophisticated mechanisms that allow for both immediate and acclimatory responses to changing environments.

—Stanislaw Karpinski, Science, 23 Apr. 1999

… when compared with fish and other ectothermic animals, amphibians appear to have less capacity for acclimatory change …

—Robert E. Ricklefs and Gary L. Miller, Ecology, 2000

Word History

Etymology

acclimate + -ory entry 2

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for acclimatory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory