adjective
environmental
Relating to surroundings, especially the natural world.
The city studies the environmental effects of the new highway.
Etymology
The French root means to surround. The adjective relates to those surrounding conditions, especially the natural setting and processes that support living things.
More examples
- Environmental groups organize a cleanup along the river.
- The lab controls environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
- The factory must meet strict environmental standards.
Forms
environment noun — The surroundings in which something exists.
environmentally adverb — With regard to surroundings or the natural world.
Similar words
- ecological
- Focuses on relationships between living things and their surroundings.
- ambient
- Describes surrounding conditions, especially temperature, light, or sound.