Meaning & use
vivariums
Last updated
“vivariums” is a form of “vivarium”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounpluraltechnical
enclosed areas for keeping and observing animals or plants, often indoors
Grammar: This is the plural form of 'vivarium'. Use it for more than one enclosure; for one, say 'vivarium'.
Patterns
- keep animals in vivariums
- build vivariums
- study vivariums
The zoo has several vivariums for reptiles and amphibians.
Researchers use vivariums to study plant growth in controlled conditions.
Word forms
| singular | vivarium |
|---|---|
| plural (alternative) | vivaria |
Common combinations
- reptile vivariums
- The pet store sells reptile vivariums of various sizes.
- aquatic vivariums
- Aquatic vivariums need both water and land areas.
- maintain vivariums
- Staff maintain the vivariums daily to keep the animals healthy.
Synonyms and how they differ
- terrariums
- Terrariums are usually for plants or small land animals; vivariums can also include water and are for animals.
- enclosures
- A general word for any enclosed space for animals; 'vivariums' is more specific and technical.
Word family
- vivarium noun
- Singular form of the same word.
- vivarist noun
- A person who keeps or manages a vivarium.
Commonly confused: vivariums or aquarium? vivariums or terrarium?
vivariums vs aquarium
An aquarium is only for water animals; a vivarium can have both land and water.
vivariums vs terrarium
A terrarium is usually a sealed container for plants; a vivarium is for animals and is often open.
Practice
What is a vivarium?
Choose one answer.
A vivarium is an enclosure for animals or plants. An aquarium is specifically for water animals, a garden is outdoors, and a birdcage is just for birds.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “vivariums”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.