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Acclimatizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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acclimatizing

 

[ Ι™ΛˆklaΙͺmΙ™ΛŒtaΙͺzΙͺΕ‹ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

adapting environment

Acclimatizing refers to the process of adjusting to a new climate or environment. It usually involves physiological changes which enable an organism to function effectively in its new surroundings.

Synonyms

accommodation, adaptation, adjusting, habituation

Examples of usage

  • The athletes spent weeks acclimatizing to the high altitude before the competition.
  • Fish must acclimatize to changes in water temperature to survive.
  • Travelers are advised to take time acclimatizing to the heat when visiting tropical regions.

Etymology

The term 'acclimatize' originated from the French word 'acclimater', which is a combination of 'a-' (to) and 'climat' (climate). It started gaining usage in English in the late 19th century, reflecting the growing interest in biogeography and the importance of understanding how organisms adapt to varying environments. Initially, it was predominantly used in scientific contexts related to ecology and biology, but over time it has broadened to apply to various situations in human activity, such as travel, sports, and even climate change discussions. The word conveys both the simplicity and complexity of adapting to change, highlighting the inherent resilience of living beings.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,660, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.