noun
habitat
HAB-ih-tat/ˈhæbɪtæt/
The natural environment where an organism lives.
The beaver's habitat includes water, trees, a dam, and a lodge.
Etymology
A form of habitare meaning “it inhabits” introduced the locality in scientific descriptions of plants and animals. That introductory verb became the noun for the natural place where an organism lives.
In context
setting more land aside for nature and wildlife where geese roost and where their natural habitat is
More examples
- Pollution damaged the habitat.
- Several habitats supported the species.
- They restored the wetland habitat.
Forms
habitat · habitats
Similar words
- environment
- A broader set of surroundings and conditions.
- ecosystem
- Includes interacting organisms as well as their surroundings.