SKIP TO CONTENT

terrarium

/təˈrɛriəm/
/təˈrɛriəm/
IPA guide

Other forms: terrariums

A terrarium is an enclosed, indoor garden, usually small and made of glass so that you can see your collection of plants.

Most often, a terrarium is about the size of a home aquarium, and the two are often made of the same materials. Instead of keeping exotic fish, however, the owner of a terrarium keeps interesting plants and occasionally reptiles like turtles or lizards. The word terrarium was first used in the late 1800s, and it came from the word aquarium — substituting terre (meaning "land") for aqua (meaning "water").

Definitions of terrarium
  1. noun
    a vivarium in which selected living plants are kept and observed
    see moresee less
    type of:
    vivarium
    an indoor enclosure for keeping and raising living animals and plants and observing them under natural conditions
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘terrarium'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of gold-punch.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family