microclimate

noun

mi·​cro·​cli·​mate ˈmī-krō-ˌklī-mət 

: the essentially uniform local climate of a usually small site or habitat

microclimatic

ˌmī-krō-klī-ˈma-tik 

adjective

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The microclimate of an industrial park may be quite different from that of a nearby wooded park, since the plants absorb light and heat while asphalt parking lots and rooftops radiate them back into the air. A microclimate can offer a small growing area for crops that wouldn't do well in the wider region, so skilled gardeners take advantage of microclimates by carefully choosing and positioning their plants. San Francisco's hills, oceanfront, and bay shore, along with its alternating areas of concrete and greenery, make it a city of microclimates.

Examples of microclimate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In some areas, tree belts and shrubland strips now visibly anchor shifting dunes, while solar farms in the desert—which are a part of China’s renewable energy push—have created cooler microclimates for vegetation and livestock. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Factors That Determine Watering Frequency Growing conditions for roses can vary from state to state, and even city to city, thanks to microclimates. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 18 Mar. 2025

The island has a unique subtropical microclimate, which helped spark the idea of Bloodstone Island, a Jurassic Park-like place filled with endangered species. —Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2025

Agroforestry refers to a tactic where trees and shrubs are integrated into crop and livestock farming systems to improve biodiversity, soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and microclimate regulation. —Ellen Choi, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for microclimate

• climate
• sublimate