acclimate
AK-luh-mayt
/ˈæklɪmeɪt/
Respond physiologically or behaviorally to a change in an environmental factor (such as temperature or pressure).
Implies a gradual, natural adjustment to a new environment, temperature, or water chemistry.
The story behind the word. Borrowed from the French 'acclimater' in the late 18th century, combining the prefix 'a-' (to) with 'climat' (climate). It was originally used by botanists to describe moving exotic plants to European gardens.
Word relationships
- adapt: 'Adapt' can refer to evolutionary changes over generations, whereas 'acclimate' refers to an individual organism adjusting to a new environment within its lifetime.
- accustom: 'Accustom' is used for psychological habits or routines, while 'acclimate' usually involves physiological changes like heart rate, temperature, or blood chemistry.
Commonly confused with
- acclimatize: 'Acclimatize' is the preferred spelling in British English, whereas 'acclimate' is more common in American English; they mean the same thing.
Word family
- acclimation (noun): The process of acclimating.
- acclimated (adjective): Having become accustomed to a new climate or environment.
Collocations
- acclimate to
- gradually acclimate
- acclimate the fish
- acclimate to the climate
Example sentences
- "Float the plastic bag in the tank for twenty minutes to let the fish acclimate to the water temperature." Instructions for introducing new fish to a tank.
- "We stayed at the base camp for three days to acclimate to the thin mountain air before attempting the summit." A travel log describing high-altitude climbing.
Memory hook
Add yourself to a new climate: a-CLIMATE. Get used to the climate.
When not to use
Do not use for sudden, forced changes that do not involve biological adaptation.
Fun facts
- Drip acclimation is a precise method used by aquarists where tank water is slowly dripped into a bucket containing new shrimp or fish over several hours to prevent osmotic shock.
Explore more words
acclimatize, adapt, adaptation, accommodate, adaptive, adaptable
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