habitat

American  

[hab-i-tat] / ˈhæb ɪˌtæt /

noun

1. the natural environment of an organism; the place that is natural for the life and growth of an organism.

   Orchids have a tropical habitat.

2. the place where a person or thing is usually found.

   Paris is a major habitat of artists.

3. a special environment for living in over an extended period, as an underwater research vessel.

4. habitation.

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habitat British  

/ ˈhæbɪˌtæt /

noun

1. the environment in which an animal or plant normally lives or grows

2. the place in which a person, group, class, etc, is normally found

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habitat Scientific  

/ hăb′ĭ-tăt′ /

1. The area or natural environment in which an organism or population normally lives. A habitat is made up of physical factors such as soil, moisture, range of temperature, and availability of light as well as biotic factors such as the availability of food and the presence of predators. A habitat is not necessarily a geographic area—for a parasitic organism it is the body of its host or even a cell within the host's body.

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habitat Cultural  

1. The area or type of environment in which a particular kind of animal or plant usually lives.

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Related Words

See ecosystem ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of habitat

First recorded in 1755–65; from Latin: “it inhabits,” 3rd person singular present indicative of habitāre “to inhabit, dwell, live,” frequentative of habēre “to have, hold”

Example Sentences

Because adults supply food and protection, young mammals tend to share the same diet and habitat as their parents, filling similar ecological roles.

From Science Daily

Klopping added that although there had been no reports of mountain lion attacks in the immediate area, the Verdugo Mountains are an “island of robust wildlife habitat” for bears, coyotes and mountain lions.

From Los Angeles Times

After the Eaton fire displaced wild animals from their natural habitat, the sightings grew.

From Los Angeles Times

Ice caves are one such extreme habitat, home to diverse microorganisms that scientists are only beginning to understand.

From Science Daily

Both species are in decline due to habitat loss, making their presence even more important.

From BBC

Related Words

• cave
• dwelling
• environment
• haven
• nest
• surroundings
• terrain
• territory