carrying capacity

[ kar-ee-ing kuh-pas-i-tee ]

/ ˈkær i ɪŋ kəˌpæs ɪ ti /

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noun Ecology.

the maximum, equilibrium number of organisms of a particular species that can be supported indefinitely in a given environment. Abbreviation: K

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Origin of carrying capacity

First recorded in 1880–85

Words nearby carrying capacity

carryback, carry coals to Newcastle, carrycot, carryforward, carry-in, carrying capacity, carrying charge, carrying-on, carrying place, carry light, carry off

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use carrying capacity in a sentence

The world can be thought of as a single environment with a single carrying capacity.
Two (Totally Opposite) Ways to Save the Planet (Ep. 346 Rebroadcast)|Stephen J. Dubner|July 29, 2021|Freakonomics
Men’s Women’sIn addition to hip pockets, these sleek bibs offer extra carrying capacity, with two lower-back pockets, essentially replacing the ones on your jersey.
Cyclists, Cargo Shorts Will Set You Free|Riley Missel|May 28, 2021|Outside Online
Using statistical models and climate projections, her team found that the hippos were on track to meet the ecosystem’s carrying capacity — about 1,418 animals — by 2039.
Invasion of the hippos: Colombia is running out of time to tackle Pablo Escobar’s wildest legacy|Sarah Kaplan|January 11, 2021|Washington Post
Sometimes called “carrying capacity,” it means all the bears the country can support.
What It Takes to Kill a Grizzly Bear|Doug Peacock|November 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST

A well known physical law states that the carrying capacity of a stream increases as the sixth power of its velocity.
Our National Forests|Richard H. Douai Boerker
Without a hoof on it, it has a value in proportion to its carrying capacity, and Priest and I want these boys to secure it.
Wells Brothers|Andy Adams
The team returned an hour before sunset, loaded to the carrying capacity of the wagon.
Wells Brothers|Andy Adams
Its engine power is enormous, and its carrying capacity unprecedented.
Famous Men and Great Events of the Nineteenth Century|Charles Morris
No legitimate commerce was suggested by her appearance, no honest trade demanded such manifest sacrifice of carrying capacity.
Due South or Cuba Past and Present|Maturin M. Ballou

British Dictionary definitions for carrying capacity

carrying capacity

noun

ecology the maximum number of individuals that an area of land can support, usually determined by their food requirements

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for carrying capacity

carrying capacity

[ kăr′ē-ĭng ]

The maximum population of a particular organism that a given environment can support without detrimental effects.

Cultural definitions for carrying capacity

carrying capacity

In ecology, the number of living things that can exist for long periods in a given area without damaging the environment.