biodiversity

noun

bio·​di·​ver·​si·​ty ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-də-ˈvər-sə-tē How to pronounce biodiversity (audio)
-dī-
: biological diversity in an environment as indicated by numbers of different species of plants and animals
biodiverse adjective

Did you know?

Biodiversity may become the rallying call for the next decade, wrote David Wake in the journal Science in 1989. Indeed, biodiversity is a word you're likely to encounter in writing about ecology and the environment today. But when Wake used it, "biodiversity" was still a relatively new addition to the English language, having first appeared in writing in the mid-1980s. Of course, the roots of biodiversity are much older. It evolved from a commingling of the descendants of the Greek noun bios, which means "mode of life," and the Latin verb divertere, which means "to turn aside" or "to go different ways."

Examples of biodiversity in a Sentence

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Microsoft last week detailed SPARROW, an AI system designed to measure biodiversity in some of the earth's most remote reaches. Ina Fried, Axios, 28 Dec. 2024 These projects not only help protect biodiversity but also support local communities by creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering environmental stewardship. Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 Uganda is a land of breathtaking biodiversity, home to some of the most extraordinary primate experiences in the world. Praveen Moman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2024 However, there are concerns with GMOs about the loss of plant biodiversity, genetic material from GMOs being transferred to other plants, and the use of specific herbicides.6 Debate on the safety of seed oils stems from their omega-6 content. Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for biodiversity 

Word History

Etymology

bio- + diversity

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biodiversity was in 1985

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Dictionary Entries Near biodiversity

Cite this Entry

“Biodiversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biodiversity. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

biodiversity

noun
bio·​di·​ver·​si·​ty -də-ˈvər-sət-ē How to pronounce biodiversity (audio)
-dī-
: biological variety in an environment as indicated by numbers of different species of plants and animals

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