Meaning & use

invasive species

noun·Academic

A non-native organism that spreads rapidly in a new environment and causes ecological or economic harm.

See it in a sentence

The lake's native fish declined sharply after an invasive species was introduced accidentally.

Volunteers pulled up an invasive species of weed that was choking the wetland plants.

A note on using this word

Not every introduced species is invasive; the term specifically implies measurable harm to the ecosystem.

Words with a similar meaning

This term is best learned through its definition and examples.

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

native species

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