ENVIRONMENT Definition & Meaning

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environment

[ en-vahy-ruhn-muhnt, -vahy-ern- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the aggregate of surrounding things, conditions, or influences; surroundings; milieu.
Synonyms: ,
Ecology. the air, water, minerals, organisms, and all other external factors surrounding and affecting a given organism at any time.
the social and cultural forces that shape the life of a person or a population.
Computers. the hardware or software configuration, or the mode of operation, of a computer system:
In a time-sharing environment, transactions are processed as they occur.
an indoor or outdoor setting characterized by the presence of environmental art that is designed specifically to make use of that site.

environment

/ ɪ��ˈ��ɪ��ə�Գ�ə�Գ� /

noun

external conditions or surroundings, esp those in which people live or work
ecology the external surroundings in which a plant or animal lives, which tend to influence its development and behaviour
the state of being environed; encirclement
computing an operating system, program, or integrated suite of programs that provides all the facilities necessary for a particular application
a word-processing environment

environment

/ ĕ��-��ī′��ə��-��ə�Գ� /

All of the biotic and abiotic factors that act on an organism, population, or ecological community and influence its survival and development. Biotic factors include the organisms themselves, their food, and their interactions. Abiotic factors include such items as sunlight, soil, air, water, climate, and pollution. Organisms respond to changes in their environment by evolutionary adaptations in form and behavior.

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Derived Forms

��ˌ��ǲ�ˈ��Գٲ��, adjective
��ˌ��ǲ�ˈ��Գٲ��ly, adverb

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

��·��·��ǲ�·��·�ٲ�� [en-vahy-r, uh, n-, muhn, -tl, -vahy-ern-], adjective

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of environment¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Middle French environnement; environ, -ment

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Synonym Study

Environment, milieu, ambiance, setting, surroundings all refer to what makes up the atmosphere or background against which someone or something is seen. Environment may refer either to actual physical surroundings or to social or cultural background factors: an environment of crime and grinding poverty. Milieu, encountered most often in literary writing, refers to intangible aspects of the environment: an exhilarating milieu of artistic ferment and innovation. Ambiance applies to the atmosphere of the surroundings, their mood or tone: an ambiance of ease and elegance. Setting suggests a background that sets something off: a perfect setting for the emerald. Surroundings alludes specifically to the physical aspects of the environment: awoke in strange surroundings; blend in with her surroundings. See ecosystem ( def ).

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Donmoyer, who grew up in Washington D.C., says his neighborhood was of a similar environment.

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This type of redevelopment was first approved and entitled in 2013 for the entire Warner Center area and proposed a dense urban environment.

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“It is a false choice to say we have to choose between protecting our environment and growing our economy,” Hart said at the packed hearing that included representatives from at least eight state agencies..

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Opponents, including Northern California agencies, environmental advocates and Native tribes, argue the project is an expensive boondoggle that would harm the environment, fish species and communities, and that the state should pursue other alternatives.

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The minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, described the blazes as having a devastating impact on the environment and wildlife.

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