microenvironment

noun

mi·​cro·​en·​vi·​ron·​ment ˌmī-krō-in-ˈvī-rən-mənt 

-ˈvī(-ə)rn-

: a small or relatively small usually distinctly specialized and effectively isolated habitat (such as a forest canopy) or environment (as of a neuron)

microenvironmental

ˌmī-krō-in-ˌvī-rən-ˈmen-tᵊl 

adjective

Examples of microenvironment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ifugao farmers maintain multiple rice varieties suited to different microenvironments. —Stephen Acabado, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026

Reprogrammed macrophages also alter the tumor microenvironment, activating other immune cells. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Instead, researchers use intact microfat tissue, preserving its natural cellular diversity and microenvironment. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026

Laboratory studies also suggest that GLP-1 drugs may directly prevent cancer cell growth, trigger cancer cell death and reshape the tumor microenvironment. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for microenvironment

• environment

Medical Definition

microenvironment

noun

mi·​cro·​en·​vi·​ron·​ment -in-ˈvī-rən-mənt, -ˈvī(-ə)rn- 

: a small or relatively small usually distinctly specialized and effectively isolated habitat or environment (as of a nerve cell) see microhabitat

microenvironmental

-ˌvī-rən-ˈment-ᵊl 

adjective