Acclimation: meaning, definitions and examples

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acclimation

 

[ˌæklɪˈmeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

environmental adaptation

The process of acclimating or becoming acclimated; especially physiological adjustment to a new climate, environment, or situation.

Synonyms

accommodation, adaptation, adjustment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acclimation

This term is often used when describing how people, animals, or plants get used to new environmental conditions such as climate or altitude. It's typically used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • The trekkers went through a period of acclimation to get used to the high altitude.

Examples of usage

  • Her acclimation to the high altitude took several weeks.
  • The plant showed signs of acclimation to the dry conditions.
Context #2 | Noun

psychological adaptation

The process of getting used to a new situation or environment; psychological adjustment.

Synonyms

assimilation, habituation, integration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acclimation

Used when referring to getting used to environmental or climate changes. It often relates to physical or biological adjustments.

  • The mountaineers required a few days of acclimation to the high altitude.
  • Acclimation to the heat took several weeks for the new arrivals.
assimilation

Often used in social or cultural contexts, referring to the process by which a person or group absorbs and integrates into a different culture or society.

  • Immigrants face challenges in assimilation into their new country's culture.
  • The company helps new employees with the assimilation process into their corporate culture.
habituation

Typically refers to the process of becoming used to a stimulus through repeated exposure. It is often used in psychology and behavioral studies.

  • The animals showed habituation to the loud noises after a few days.
  • Children's habituation to screen time can be a concern for parents.
integration

Refers to the process of combining or bringing together different groups, systems, or processes to function efficiently and effectively as a whole. It is often used in various fields such as technology, society, and education.

  • The integration of new software with existing systems went smoothly.
  • The school's integration policy helps students from diverse backgrounds feel included.

Examples of usage

  • After a few months, his acclimation to the new job was complete.
  • The acclimation to the cultural differences was challenging but rewarding.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'acclimation' comes from the Latin ‘acclimatio’, which means 'to adapt to a new climate'.
  • It became commonly used in English in the 19th century, particularly in the fields of biology and environmental science.
  • Initially, it referred primarily to plants and animals adapting to different climates.

Science

  • In biology, acclimation describes physical adjustments organisms undergo in response to environmental changes, like temperature or altitude.
  • It can take days to weeks for an organism to fully acclimate, depending on the severity of the change.
  • Research shows that acclimation is crucial for survival in extreme environments, such as high altitudes or ocean depths.

Psychology

  • Acclimation is not just physical; it also involves psychological adjustments when facing new experiences, such as starting a new job.
  • People often show stages of acclimation, including initial resistance, gradual acceptance, and finally, comfort with the new situation.
  • The concept of acclimation is important in understanding stress responses and coping mechanisms in psychological research.

Cultural Practices

  • Various cultures have traditional practices to help newcomers acclimate, such as teaching local customs and language.
  • In urban settings, community programs are designed to support immigrant acclimation by promoting cultural understanding and integration.
  • Festivals and communal celebrations often serve as a means for individuals to acclimate to a new cultural environment.

Education

  • In educational settings, acclimation is essential for students who transfer schools – they need time to adjust to new teachers and classmates.
  • Schools may offer orientation programs to help new students acclimate, thus helping reduce anxiety and fostering a sense of belonging.
  • Research indicates that acclimation support can lead to improved academic performance and emotional well-being in students.

Translations

Translations of the word "acclimation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aclimatação

🇮🇳 अनुकूलन

🇩🇪 Akklimatisierung

🇮🇩 aklimatisasi

🇺🇦 акліматизація

🇵🇱 aklimatyzacja

🇯🇵 順応 (じゅんのう)

🇫🇷 acclimatation

🇪🇸 aclimatación

🇹🇷 aklimatizasyon

🇰🇷 적응 (jeogeung)

🇸🇦 تأقلم

🇨🇿 aklimatizace

🇸🇰 aklimatizácia

🇨🇳 适应 (shìyìng)

🇸🇮 aklimatizacija

🇮🇸 aðlögun

🇰🇿 бейімделу

🇬🇪 აკლიმატიზაცია

🇦🇿 iqlimləşmə

🇲🇽 aclimatación

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,542, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.