biosphere

[ bahy-uh-sfeer ]
/ ˈbaɪ əˌsfɪər /

noun

the part of the earth's crust, waters, and atmosphere that supports life.
the ecosystem comprising the entire earth and the living organisms that inhabit it.

Origin of biosphere

1895–1900; < German Biosphäre; see bio-, -sphere

OTHER WORDS FROM biosphere

bi·o·spher·ic [bahy-uh-sfer-ik] /ˌbaɪ əˈsfɛr ɪk/, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH biosphere

biosphere ecology ecosystem environment habitat

Example sentences from the Web for biosphere

British Dictionary definitions for biosphere

biosphere
/ (ˈbaɪəˌsfɪə) /

noun

the part of the earth's surface and atmosphere inhabited by living things

Medical definitions for biosphere

biosphere
[ bīə-sfîr′ ]

n.

All the regions of the earth and its atmosphere in which living organisms are found or can live.
The living organisms and their environment composing the biosphere.

Other words from biosphere

bi′o•spheric (-sfîrĭk, -sfĕr-) adj.

Scientific definitions for biosphere

biosphere
[ bīə-sfîr′ ]

The parts of the land, sea, and atmosphere in which organisms are able to live. The biosphere is an irregularly shaped, relatively thin zone in which life is concentrated on or near the Earth's surface and throughout its waters.
All the Earth's ecosystems considered as a single, self-sustaining unit.

Cultural definitions for biosphere

biosphere
[ (beye-uh-sfeer) ]

The thin outer shell of the Earth and the inner layers of its atmosphere; the place where all living systems are found.