terrarium

[ tuh-rair-ee-uhm ]

noun

, plural ter·rar·i·ums, ter·rar·i·a [t, uh, -, rair, -ee-, uh].

1. a vivarium for land animals ( aquarium ).
2. a glass container, chiefly or wholly enclosed, for growing and displaying plants.

terrarium

/ tɛˈrɛərɪəm /

noun

1. an enclosure for keeping small land animals
2. a glass container, often a globe, in which plants are grown

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrarium¹

First recorded in 1885–90; terr(a) + -arium

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrarium¹

C19: New Latin, from Latin terra earth

Example Sentences

Once the seeds were sown, the plants were irrigated and placed in clear, ventilated terrarium boxes under growth lights.

From Time

Inside a terrarium, however, the humidity should be adequate.

From Popular-Science

This terrarium is multifunctional and would look great as a decorative feature on a desk or on a bookshelf.

From Popular-Science

After an hour or more in the experimental terrarium they seemed somewhat debilitated.

From Project Gutenberg

On May 10 a terrarium with several adults was placed in dilute sunshine beside a window in an unheated room.

From Project Gutenberg

In this condition, placed in a terrarium with a mixed group of breeding adults, his social status was of unusual interest.

From Project Gutenberg

A spider placed in the terrarium usually aroused one or more skinks to animated pursuit, as soon as it moved.

From Project Gutenberg

After rapid nibbling it would drop the tail, and leaving it temporarily would explore the terrarium.

From Project Gutenberg