biome

[ bahy-ohm ]

noun

, Ecology.

1. a complex biotic community characterized by distinctive plant and animal species and maintained under the climatic conditions of the region, especially such a community that has developed to climax.

biome

/ ˈbaɪˌəʊm /

noun

1. a major ecological community, extending over a large area and usually characterized by a dominant vegetation See formation

biome

/ bī′ōm′ /

1. A large community of plants and animals that occupies a distinct region. Terrestrial biomes, typically defined by their climate and dominant vegetation, include grassland, tundra, desert, tropical rainforest, and deciduous and coniferous forests. There are two basic aquatic biomes, freshwater and marine, which are sometimes further broken down into categories such as lakes and rivers or pelagic, benthic, and intertidal zones.

Word History and Origins

Origin of biome¹

First recorded in 1915–20; bi- ² + -ome, indicating a mass or part of something ( -oma )

Word History and Origins

Origin of biome¹

C20: from bio- + -ome

Example Sentences

As the Amazon shrinks, so does this airborne river — further drying out the biome, and further increasing the risk of fires.

From Vox

For one thing, the crew says they’ll be helping to perform medical experiments in zero gravity conditions, taking blood samples, sampling their personal biomes, and swabbing the walls of the spacecraft.

From Time

The unseasonable conditions that have plagued the Pacific Northwest are hazardous to humans and wildlife alike, altering habitats and making the biome virtually uninhabitable for some.

From Washington Post

The setting will be the Eden Project, a local tourist attraction that features a cluster of domed biomes — which will help to underscore the environmental emphasis of the summit.

From Washington Post

Because I garden, I’m hyper-aware of soil health and microbes and gut health, and there are studies saying dirt in the soil is so good for you, because you’re adding to your gut biome.

From Washington Post

Ecological relations of the breeding bird populations of the desert biome of Arizona.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ecosystem
• habitat