n.
Pronunciation: - ˌ v ī -r ə (n)- ' men-t ə - ˌ li-z ə m, - ˌ v ī (- ə )r(n)-
Function: noun
Date: circa 1922
1 : a theory that views environment rather than heredity as the important factor in the development and especially the cultural and intellectual development of an individual or group
2 : advocacy of the preservation, restoration, or improvement of the natural environment especially : the movement to control pollution