terrarium

ter·rar·i·um

T0120300 (tə-râr′ē-əm)n. pl. ter·rar·i·ums or ter·rar·i·a (-ē-ə) A small enclosure or closed container in which selected living plants and sometimes small land animals, such as turtles and lizards, are kept.

[Latin terra, earth; see terrene + -arium.]

terrarium

(tɛˈrɛərɪəm) n, pl -rariums or -raria (-ˈrɛərɪə) 1. (Animals) an enclosure for keeping small land animals2. (Horticulture) a glass container, often a globe, in which plants are grown[C19: New Latin, from Latin terra earth]

ter•rar•i•um

(təˈrɛər i əm)

n., pl. -rar•i•ums, -rar•i•a (-ˈrɛər i ə) 1. a glass container, chiefly or wholly enclosed, for growing and displaying plants. 2. a vivarium for land animals. [1885–90; terr (a) + -arium]

terrarium

a container for keeping small animals.See also: Animals

Thesaurus

Noun

terrarium - a vivarium in which selected living plants are kept and observedvivarium - an indoor enclosure for keeping and raising living animals and plants and observing them under natural conditions

Translations

террариум

terrarium

enUK

terrarium,

a miniature garden in an artificial environment, in which small plants and animals may be kept as ornament or for educational purposes. Fish bowls, small fish tanks, large bottles, and carboys are often employed as containers for terrariums; such vessels permit the necessary entrance of light for photosynthesis by the plants, and are suitable for display. The most important aspect of a terrarium is its relatively high humidity, maintained either by using a container with only a small aperture or by keeping the container covered. The humid atmosphere enables mosses and other sensitive woodland plants to flourish.

Terrarium

an enclosure for keeping small terrestrial animals, mainly amphibians and reptiles, and for observing their habits. A terrarium consists of a box with walls that are partially covered with glass or a fine-meshed screen. The bottom has a layer of sand or soil covered with pebbles, moss, turf, and plants. A shallow vessel partially buried in the bottom is filled with water that is periodically changed.

Terrariums are usually lighted and heated electrically; however, natural lighting, preferably direct sunlight, is also necessary. A terrarium must have a constant temperature and humidity level and a flow of fresh air. An open terrarium is a small fenced-off area where animals are kept under natural conditions.

REFERENCES

Chernomordikov, V. V. Kak soderzhat’ presmykaiushchikhsia. Moscow, 1950.
Nietzke, G. Die Terrarientiere, vols. 1–2. Stuttgart, 1969–72.

terrarium

1. an enclosure for keeping small land animals 2. a glass container, often a globe, in which plants are grown

terrarium

ter·rar·i·um

terrarium

ter•rar•i•um

terrarium

terrarium

terrarium,

Terrarium

REFERENCES

terrarium

terrarium

terrarium

terrarium

Words related to terrarium

noun a vivarium in which selected living plants are kept and observed

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