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

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Caldwell first met Anderson at a climate conference in Miami, and was excited to learn about her home region’s ecology and biodiversity. Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 8 Nov. 2024 To achieve that, the plan focuses on targets associated with climate, circularity, water, biodiversity, wellness, equity, employee engagement, and community engagement and partnership. Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2024 In This Article Villa Avellana Casa Los Olas Andaz Costa Rica Resort The Hive With its stunning biodiversity, round-the-clock security, and ultra-luxurious properties, the Papagayo Peninsula on Costa Rica’s northwest has become a magnet for celebrities. Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2024 Some of the biggest candy manufacturers in the world are environmentally harmful due to the sheer amount of sugar, palm oil and cocoa beans required to make their products, which has contributed to widespread deforestation and biodiversity loss, according to Good On You. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 29 Oct. 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

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near biodiversity

Cite this Entry

“Biodiversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biodiversity. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on biodiversity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!