terrarium

noun

ter·​rar·​i·​um tə-ˈrer-ē-əm 

plural terraria 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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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.

Examples of terrarium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Model Amelia Gray wore Undercover's yellow terrarium dress to the gala, which was filled with flowers for Monday night. —Lindsay Kimble, Peoplemag, 7 May 2024

The artist cottage and apothecary hosts daily craft hours to make soaps, terrariums, tie-dye, and more. —Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

terrarium

noun

ter·​rar·​i·​um tə-ˈrar-ē-əm 

-ˈrer-

plural terraria

-ē-ə

or terrariums

: a transparent enclosure used for keeping and observing small animals and plants indoors