microhabitat

noun

mi·cro·hab·i·tat ˌmī-krō-ˈha-bə-ˌtat

: the microenvironment in which an organism lives

decaying wood creates a microhabitat for insects

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web This microhabitat turns traditional thinking about snow on its head. —

Erin Blakemore, Popular Science, 31 Jan. 2020 Another factor in midges’ survival is their microhabitat. —

Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, 10 Sep. 2019 Schill noted that tardigrades had evolved to survive in particular microhabitats. —

Ben Guarino, ajc, 14 July 2017

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

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of microhabitat was in 1931

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Microhabitat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microhabitat. Accessed 30 Jan. 2023.

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Medical Definition

microhabitat

noun

mi·cro·hab·i·tat ˌmī-krō-ˈhab-ə-ˌtat

: the microenvironment in which an organism lives

the kidneys, heart, and sinuses are the usual microhabitats of the sporocysts of the schistosome

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