vivarium

[ vahy-vair-ee-uhm, vi- ]

/ vaɪˈvɛər i əm, vɪ- /

Save This Word!

noun, plural vi·var·i·ums, vi·var·i·a

[vahy-vair-ee-uh, vi-]. /vaɪˈvɛər i ə, vɪ-/.

a place, such as a laboratory, where live animals or plants are kept under conditions simulating their natural environment, as for research.

COMPARE MEANINGS

Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of vivarium

1590–1600; <Latin vīvārium, equivalent to vīv(us) living (see vital) + -ārium-ary

Words nearby vivarium

vivacious, vivacity, Vivaldi, Vivaldi, Antonio, vivandière, vivarium, viva voce, vivax malaria, vive, Vivekananda, vive le roi

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

How to use vivarium in a sentence

The base of the vivarium or breeding cage should never be made of tin, but always of zinc.
Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects|C. V. Riley
It is often a troublesome overrunner of the fresh-water vivarium.
An Elementary Text-book of the Microscope|John William Griffith
The vivarium consists of eight immense arches two stories high, formed from blocks of travertine.
Rambles in Rome|S. Russell Forbes
Fishermen, when returning from the northern fishery, generally find their vivarium full of these graceful vermin.
Animal Parasites and Messmates|P. J. Van Beneden

Mr. Jesse says, that those in his vivarium throw off all reserve at the sight of a cockchafer, which they devour with eagerness.
The Book of the Aquarium and Water Cabinet|Shirley Hibberd

British Dictionary definitions for vivarium

vivarium

/ (vaɪˈvɛərɪəm) /

noun plural -iums or -ia (-ɪə)

a place where live animals are kept under natural conditions for study, research, etc

Word Origin for vivarium

C16: from Latin: enclosure where live fish or game are kept, from vīvus alive

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