ScienceJuly 14, 2026
acclimation
/ˌæklɪˈmeɪʃən/
Definition
The physiological process by which a living organism adjusts its internal functions to survive and thrive in a changed environment.
Etymology
Derived from the French 'acclimation,' which combines the prefix 'a-' (to) and 'climat' (climate). It entered English in the 19th century to describe the process of becoming accustomed to a new climate or environment.
In the news
The article uses acclimation to describe how chloroplasts within plants rapidly adjust their protein-making processes to cope with sudden environmental shifts, like changes in light intensity. This mechanism is crucial for the plant's immediate survival.
Figure (IMAGE)
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!