microclimate

noun

mi·​cro·​cli·​mate ˈmī-krō-ˌklī-mət How to pronounce microclimate (audio)
: the essentially uniform local climate of a usually small site or habitat
microclimatic adjective

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The microclimate of an industrial park may be quite different from that of a nearby wooded park, since the plants absorb light and heat while asphalt parking lots and rooftops radiate them back into the air. A microclimate can offer a small growing area for crops that wouldn't do well in the wider region, so skilled gardeners take advantage of microclimates by carefully choosing and positioning their plants. San Francisco's hills, oceanfront, and bay shore, along with its alternating areas of concrete and greenery, make it a city of microclimates.

Examples of microclimate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Shrubs are excellent nurse plants, creating microclimates that help facilitate the successful growth of forbs, grasses, vines, and succulents. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024 How Late Can You Plant Bulbs There’s no simple answer because weather is variable, and microclimates, or areas of different growing conditions in your garden, can affect bulb performance. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2024 The beauty and abundance of shrublands in the West are packed with inspiration throughout its diverse topography, geology, hydrology and microclimates. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024 Identify plants that struggled in your microclimate and should be avoided in future years? Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for microclimate 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of microclimate was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near microclimate

Cite this Entry

“Microclimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microclimate. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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