environment

noun

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en·vi·ron·ment | \ in-ˈvī-rə(n)-mənt

, -ˈvī(-ə)r(n)-

Definition of environment

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

2a : the complex of physical, chemical, and biotic factors (such 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

Other Words from environment Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Meanings of Environment More Example Sentences Learn More About environment

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Other Words from environment

environmental \ in-ˌvī-rə(n)-ˈmen-tᵊl

, -ˌvī(-ə)r(n)- \ adjective

environmentally \ in-ˌvī-rə(n)-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē

, -ˌvī(-ə)r(n)- \ adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for environment

background, setting, environment, milieu, mise-en-scène mean the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs. background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development. the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms. a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development. the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons. an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect. a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

Meanings of Environment

Descending from the Middle French preposition environ “around,” environment , in its most basic meaning, is “that which surrounds.” When preceded by the and unmodified, it usually refers to the natural world (“please don’t litter if you care about the environment”). In a less physical, more extended sense, it may signify the circumstances and conditions that make up everyday life (“He grew up in a loving environment.”) The word may also be applied in highly specialized ways, denoting, for example, “the position of a linguistic element” (“how g gets pronounced in Italian depends upon its phonetic environment”) or “a computer interface from which various tasks can be performed” (“the app works in varied environments").

Examples of environment in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples on the Web Soccer fields, stadium environment and weather, but not necessarily in that order. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2021 The primary function of the Membrane protein is to act as a membrane between the host environment and the virus. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2021 Asked for comment, a Pentagon spokesman referred to remarks by Richard Kidd, deputy assistant secretary of defense for environment and energy resilience, during a July 14 public discussion on PFAS. — John Flesher, Detroit Free Press, 1 Sep. 2021 You can really get involved with the community while there, and enjoy nature and at the same time educate yourself about caring for the environment and Indigenous rights. — Paula Móvil, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2021 Asked for comment, a Pentagon spokesman referred to remarks by Richard Kidd, deputy assistant secretary of defense for environment and energy resilience, during a July 14 public discussion on PFAS. — CBS News, 31 Aug. 2021 Contributions to racial justice causes could go to different sectors, including education, the environment and civil rights. — NBC News, 31 Aug. 2021 And what has followed leaded gas hasn't necessarily been good for health either: In many parts of the world, the phase-out has meant a greater reliance on diesel, which is also hazardous to health and the environment. — Jeevan Ravindran, CNN, 30 Aug. 2021 Andrew Kelly defended the Corps’ work, saying the agency will balance water supply for both the environment and farmers. — orlandosentinel.com, 28 Aug. 2021

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

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Learn More About environment

Dictionary Entries Near environment

environ

environment

environmentalism

Statistics for environment

Last Updated

9 Sep 2021

Cite this Entry

“Environment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/environment. Accessed 19 Sep. 2021.

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More Definitions for environment

environment

noun

English Language Learners Definition of environment

: the conditions that surround someone or something : the conditions and influences that affect the growth, health, progress, etc., of someone or something

: the natural world

See the full definition for environment in the English Language Learners Dictionary

environment

noun

en·vi·ron·ment | \ in-ˈvī-rən-mənt

, -ˈvī-ərn-mənt \

Kids Definition of environment

1 : a person's physical surroundings He lives in a comfortable rural environment.

2 : the surrounding conditions or forces (as soil, climate, and living things) that influence a plant's or animal's characteristics and ability to survive

3 : the social and cultural conditions that affect the life of a person or community a happy home environment

environment

noun

en·vi·ron·ment | \ in-ˈvī-rən-mənt

, -ˈvī(-ə)rn-

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

Other Words from environment

environmental \ -ˌvī-rən-ˈment-ᵊl, -ˌvī(-ə)rn-

\ adjective

environmentally \ -ᵊl-ē

\ adverb