surroundings

n. environment, environs; that which surrounds

Surroundings are the area around a given physical or geographical point or place. The exact definition depends on the field. Surroundings can also be used in geography and mathematics, as well as philosophy, with the literal or metaphorically extended definition. However, in thermodynamics, the term as a slightly more exact use: surroundings are seen as a medium for the exchange of materials or energy, and can be considered as an open system.See also:Neighborhood (mathematics)environment/milieuambiencevicinityproximity
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Noun
1. the environmental condition
(synonym) milieu
(hypernym) environment
2. the area in which something exists or lives; "the country--the flat agricultural surround"
(synonym) environment, environs, surround
(hypernym) geographical area, geographic area, geographical region, geographic region
(hyponym) ambiance, ambience
(derivation) surround, skirt, border

Compare with system .In thermodynamics, the surroundings refer to the universe outside the system .

Synonyms and related words:
alentours, ambience, ambit, borderlands, circle, circuit, circumambiencies, circumjacencies, circumstances, compass, context, entourage, environing circumstances, environment, environs, gestalt, habitat, milieu, neighborhood, outposts, outskirts, perimeter, periphery, precincts, purlieus, situation, suburbs, total environment, vicinage, vicinity