Meaning & use

acclimation vs acclimatization

phrase·Advancedtechnicalbiology

Last updated

UK/ˌæklɪˈmeɪʃən vəz əˌklaɪmətaɪˈzeɪʃən/
US/ˌækləˈmeɪʃən vɜrz əˌklaɪmətəˈzeɪʃən/

Meaning

  1. phrasefixed phrasetechnicalbiology

    A comparison of two nouns: acclimation means getting used to a new environment, while acclimatization means the same, especially in biology and British English.

    Grammar: Used when discussing word choice: 'Acclimation vs acclimatization is a common question.'

    Patterns

    • acclimation vs acclimatization
    • the difference between acclimation and acclimatization

    The article explained acclimation vs acclimatization, noting that American scientists often prefer the shorter form.

    In our biology class, we discussed acclimation vs acclimatization and how both describe adjustment to a new climate.

    For British readers, acclimatization is more familiar, but acclimation vs acclimatization is a useful distinction to know.

Common combinations

acclimation to
Acclimation to high altitude takes several days.
acclimatization process
The acclimatization process can be slow for visitors.
heat acclimation
Athletes use heat acclimation before competing in hot climates.
acclimatization to
Acclimatization to cold weather varies from person to person.

Synonyms and how they differ

adaptation
Adaptation is broader and can refer to genetic changes over generations, while acclimation usually means a short-term adjustment by an individual.
adjustment
Adjustment is a general word for any change; acclimation is specifically about getting used to a new climate or condition.

Word family

acclimate verb
To get used to a new climate or situation (American English).
acclimatize verb
To get used to a new climate or situation (British English).
acclimated adjective
Having become used to a new environment.

Commonly confused: acclimation vs acclimatization or acclamation?

acclimation vs acclimatization vs acclamation

Acclamation means loud approval or applause, not getting used to a climate.

Practice

Which sentence correctly uses the comparison 'acclimation vs acclimatization'?

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “acclimation vs acclimatization”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words