terrarium

noun ter·rar·i·um \ tə-ˈrer-ē-əm \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

Definition of terrarium

plural -ia play \tə-ˈrer-ē-ə\ or terrariums

: a usually transparent enclosure for keeping or raising plants or usually small animals (such as turtles) indoors

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Recent Examples of terrarium from the Web

Many of the animals will be for sale, along with the necessary terrariums and accessories at wholesale prices.

— sonja haller, azcentral, "Predators Reptile Expo in Mesa April 14-15: See the world's longest snake," 12 Apr. 2018
There are certain plants for terrariums and some tiny succulents for miniature gardens or settings.

— clare miers, star-telegram, "'Always a talking piece': Hardy succulents encourage container creativity | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 5 Apr. 2018
In the Walled Garden, Bonsai and Beyond members will be displaying a rich composition of (miniature) treasures from the plant world including bonsai, saikei, penjing, hon non bo, kusamono, terrariums, fairy gardens and hanging gardens.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Youth of the Year picked at Boys & Girls Club," 4 Apr. 2018
Edith Jones is a career product of the conservative judicial terrarium and is often mentioned as a candidate for the Supreme Court, which is a nightmarish prospect.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "Asking Financial Advisers to Act in Their Clients' Best Interest Is 'Unreasonable' Now," 16 Mar. 2018
There are hypnotic videos starring a renowned Japanese mixologist whose cocktails resemble tiny terrariums, and a series in which a sushi chef makes onigiri—rice balls—that resemble the rapper Lil Uzi Vert or the K-pop star G-Dragon.

— rachel aviv, The New Yorker, "How 88rising Is Making a Place for Asians in Hip-Hop," 14 Mar. 2018
Plant Nite gathers participants in bars and restaurants in 36 states and teaches them how to make a terrarium.

— ellen byron, WSJ, "20-Somethings Embrace Clean Living," 12 Mar. 2018
Other inhabitants include colorful Gouldian finches, waddling button quail, and terrariums filled with frogs, lizards, and other critters.

— jon gorey, BostonGlobe.com, "Rain or shine, Pioneer Valley in Western Mass. is great for a quick getaway," 16 Mar. 2018
Mini Marvel Let your air plants shine by showing them off in a clear glass light bulb or teardrop terrarium from Air Plant Design Studio.

— lennie larkin, Sunset, "10 Ways to Make a Statement with Hanging Plants," 22 Jan. 2018

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

A terrarium at the Zoo

The turtle exhibit at a zoo is often in the form of a terrarium, as are some of the exhibits at a plant conservatory. In an ant terrarium, elementary-school students watch the ants dig their network of tunnels as if no one were watching. Terrariums try to create conditions as close as possible to a natural habitat. A covered terrarium can often sustain itself for months on the moisture trapped inside. But creating a good terrarium requires careful control not only of humidity but also of temperature, as well as good ventilation; the lighting should include the full spectrum of sunlight as well as a day-night regulator.

Origin and Etymology of terrarium

New Latin, from Latin terra + -arium (as in vivarium)

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1890

in the meaning defined above

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TERRARIUM Defined for English Language Learners

terrarium

noun

Definition of terrarium for English Language Learners

: a glass or plastic box that is used for growing plants or keeping small animals indoors

TERRARIUM Defined for Kids

terrarium

noun ter·rar·i·um \ tə-ˈrer-ē-əm \

Definition of terrarium for Students

plural terraria \-ē-ə\ or terrariums

: a usually glass container used for keeping plants or small animals (as turtles) indoors

Learn More about terrarium

See words that rhyme with terrarium Nglish: Translation of terrarium for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about terrarium

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terrarium

Definition of terrarium

Recent Examples of terrarium from the Web

A terrarium at the Zoo

Origin and Etymology of terrarium

TERRARIUM Defined for English Language Learners

terrarium

Definition of terrarium for English Language Learners

TERRARIUM Defined for Kids

terrarium

Definition of terrarium for Students

Learn More about terrarium

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terrarium

Definition of terrarium

Recent Examples of terrarium from the Web

A terrarium at the Zoo

Origin and Etymology of terrarium

TERRARIUM Defined for English Language Learners

terrarium

Definition of terrarium for English Language Learners

TERRARIUM Defined for Kids

terrarium

Definition of terrarium for Students

Learn More about terrarium

Seen and Heard

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