acclimatization
UK[əˌklaɪ.mə.taɪˈzeɪ.ʃən]US[əˌklaɪ.mə.təˈzeɪ.ʃən]
n
the process of becoming accustomed to a new climate or new conditions.
Morpheme Breakdown
ac
climate
ization
ac
to
climate
ization
Etymology
the word 'acclimatization' is built upon the core english word 'climate', which entered english via old french from latin 'clima', itself from greek 'klima' meaning 'slope' or 'region' of the earth. the latin prefix 'ad-' (here assimilated to 'ac-') was added to convey the sense of 'to' or 'towards' a particular climate. the modern suffix '-ization', derived ultimately from greek '-izein' via latin and french, transforms the verb into a noun denoting the process itself. thus, the literal morphemic construction—'to/towards' + 'climate' + 'process of'—elegantly narrates the journey of adapting an organism or oneself to new environmental conditions.
Analysis
Structure: ac + climate + ization
'ac-' (latin, adverbial prefix meaning 'to' or 'towards'), 'climate' (english, from latin 'clima', meaning 'region, zone, or prevailing conditions'), '-ization' (english, noun-forming suffix indicating a process or result).
Examples
the acclimatization period for high-altitude climbers can take several weeks.
plants often go through a phase of acclimatization when moved from a greenhouse to an outdoor garden.
successful acclimatization to a new culture involves both social and psychological adjustment.