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environ

verb
en·​vi·​ron | \ in-ˈvī-rən How to pronounce environ (audio) , -ˈvī(-ə)rn How to pronounce environ (audio) \
environed; environing; environs

Definition of environ

transitive verb

: encircle, surround
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Examples of environ in a Sentence

a decaying, impoverished city environed by affluent suburbs

Recent Examples on the Web

 Even though Hollywood makes L.A. and environs a celebrity magnet, not all the big real estate action plays out within the City of Angels. — Neal J. Leitereg And Lauren Beale, latimes.com, "Hot Property: Fanning out across the nation," 9 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'environ.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of environ

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for environ

Middle English envirounen, from Anglo-French enviruner, from envirun around, from en in (from Latin in) + virun circle, from virer to turn — more at veer entry 1

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The first known use of environ was in the 14th century

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