terrarium

noun

ter·​rar·​i·​um tə-ˈrer-ē-əm How to pronounce terrarium (audio)
plural terraria tə-ˈrer-ē-ə How to pronounce terrarium (audio) or terrariums
: a usually transparent enclosure for keeping or raising plants or usually small animals (such as turtles) indoors

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A Terrarium at the Zoo

The turtle exhibit at a zoo is often in the form of a terrarium, as are some of the exhibits at a plant conservatory. In an ant terrarium, elementary-school students watch the ants dig their network of tunnels as if no one were watching. Terrariums try to create conditions as close as possible to a natural habitat. A covered terrarium can often sustain itself for months on the moisture trapped inside. But creating a good terrarium requires careful control not only of humidity but also of temperature, as well as good ventilation; the lighting should include the full spectrum of sunlight as well as a day-night regulator.

Examples of terrarium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Fortunately, there are tons of original options out there for your friends and family, like a terrarium made of Legos to a podcast-like audio recording of a loved one. Malia Griggs, SELF, 16 Oct. 2024 Use a grow tent as a large terrarium to maintain the humidity, temperature, and light conditions your cacti like. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Oct. 2024 Planet of Biodiversity For all the animal lovers in your family, there’s the Planet of Biodiversity, featuring a terrarium for reptiles and a Little Explorers Institute for children, which parents will also love. Zayda Rivera, Parents, 19 Sep. 2024 There's a roster of (complimentary) daily games and activities such as workshops to make play slime, mini terrariums, and colorful sand art pieces to take home. Chris Schalkx, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for terrarium 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'terrarium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin terra + -arium (as in vivarium)

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrarium was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near terrarium

Cite this Entry

“Terrarium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrarium. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

terrarium

noun
ter·​rar·​i·​um tə-ˈrar-ē-əm How to pronounce terrarium (audio)
-ˈrer-
plural terraria
-ē-ə
or terrariums
: a transparent enclosure used for keeping and observing small animals and plants indoors
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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