There are 61 nature words that start with the letter A. From Aardvark to Allamanda. Nature words encompass a vast array of terms that describe the natural world, including flora, fauna, geological formations, weather phenomena, and ecosystems. These words are essential in both scientific and everyday language, allowing for effective communication about the various elements and processes that shape our environment. The richness of natural vocabulary reflects the diversity and complexity of nature itself, ranging from common terms that anyone can understand to specialized terminology used by scientists and environmentalists. Understanding and utilizing nature words can enhance appreciation for the interconnectedness of life on Earth and the importance of preserving our natural resources.

An interesting fun fact about nature words is that many of them have etymological roots in ancient languages, such as Greek and Latin. For instance, the word “ecosystem” is derived from the Greek word “oikos,” meaning “house,” and “system,” indicating an organized whole. This etymology highlights how human language has evolved to describe nature and its intricate relationships over millennia, reflecting humanity’s enduring curiosity and connection to the environment.

Here’s what each of the columns in the table means:

Field: This column represents the specific area of study or interest related to the nature word, indicating whether it pertains to ecology, biology, geology, or another branch of natural sciences.

Definition: This column provides a concise and clear explanation of the term, giving users a straightforward understanding of what the word means in the context of nature.

Description: This column offers additional context or elaboration about the term, which may include examples, usage, relevance in scientific research, or significance in ecological discussions, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the word’s application and importance.

Nature words That Start With A

Nature words field definition
Aardvark Mammal A nocturnal burrowing mammal native to Africa, with a long snout and a tough, hairy skin. It feeds on ants and termites.
Aardwolf Mammal A small, striped, hyena-like mammal native to parts of Africa. It feeds primarily on termites.
Abies Plant A genus of evergreen coniferous trees, commonly known as firs, native to North America and Eurasia.
Acacia Plant A genus of shrubs and trees native to warm regions of the world, with feathery leaves and clusters of small, yellow flowers.
Acalypha Plant A genus of flowering plants, commonly known as copperleaf or three-seeded mercury, found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Acanthaceae Plant A family of flowering plants, commonly known as the acanthus family, found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions.
Acanthophyllum Plant A genus of spiny, evergreen shrubs native to central Asia and the Middle East.
Acanthus Plant A genus of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae
Acer Plant A genus of trees and shrubs, commonly known as maples, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Aceraceae Plant Family The plant family that includes the maple trees
Acetabularia Algae A genus of green algae found in tropical and subtropical marine environments, with a distinctive, umbrella-like shape.
Achaemenid History The ruling dynasty of the Persian Empire from 550 to 330 BC
Achillea Plant A genus of flowering plants, commonly known as yarrow, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Achnanthes Algae A genus of diatoms, a type of single-celled algae, found in a variety of aquatic environments.
Achnatherum Plant A genus of grasses, commonly known as needle grasses, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Achnophora Fungi A genus of fungi, commonly known as tufted cup fungi, found in temperate and subtropical regions.
Achyranthes Plant A genus of flowering plants, commonly known as chaff flower, found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Acidithiobacillus Bacteria A genus of chemolithoautotrophic bacteria, found in acidic environments, that derive energy from the oxidation of inorganic sulfur compounds.
Acipenser Fish A genus of sturgeon, a type of large, bottom-feeding fish found in rivers and estuaries in the Northern Hemisphere.
Acmella Plant A genus of flowering plants, commonly known as spotflower, found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Aconitum Plant A genus of flowering plants in the buttercup family
Acorus Plant A genus of aromatic, semi-aquatic plants, commonly known as sweetflag, found in temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Acrocarpus Plant A genus of large, deciduous trees native to Southeast Asia, with feathery, bipinnate leaves and showy, red flowers.
Acrocomia Plant A genus of spiny, solitary palms native to tropical regions of the Americas, with large, pinnately compound leaves.
Acropora Animal A genus of stony corals, commonly known as staghorn corals, found in tropical and subtropical marine environments.
Actaea Plant A genus of flowering plants in the buttercup family
Actinonaias Animal A genus of freshwater mussels
Actinopora Animal A genus of small, solitary corals found in tropical and subtropical marine environments, with a distinct, star-like shape.
Actinosphaera Protozoa A genus of freshwater protozoans, commonly known as sun animalcules, that have a radial, spiny appearance.
Actinosphaerium Protozoa A genus of freshwater protozoans, commonly known as giant sun animalcules, that have a large, radial, spiny appearance.
Adansonia Plant A genus of large, deciduous, baobab trees native to Africa, Madagascar, and Australia, with distinctive, swollen trunks.
Adder Reptile A venomous snake species in the viper family
Adiantum Plant A genus of ferns, commonly known as maidenhair ferns, found in temperate and tropical regions worldwide.
Adoxa Plant A genus of small, herbaceous plants, commonly known as moschatel, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Aechmea Plant A genus of flowering plants in the bromeliad family
Aecidium Fungus A genus of rust fungi
Aegagropila Algae A genus of freshwater green algae, commonly known as marimo moss balls, found in lakes and ponds in temperate regions.
Aegilops Plant A genus of grasses, commonly known as goatgrass, found in temperate regions of the Mediterranean and central Asia.
Aegopodium Plant A genus of herbaceous, flowering plants, commonly known as ground elder or bishop’s weed, native to Europe and Asia.
Aesculus Plant A genus of large, deciduous trees, commonly known as buckeyes or horse chestnuts, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Aethalium Fungi A genus of slime molds, commonly known as flowers of tan, found in temperate and tropical regions worldwide.
Aframomum Plant A genus of herbaceous, tropical plants, commonly known as grains of paradise, native to Africa.
Agalinis Plant A genus of annual, herbaceous plants, commonly known as false foxgloves, native to North America.
Agaricus Fungi A genus of mushrooms, commonly known as button mushrooms or field mushrooms, found in temperate regions worldwide.
Agave Plant A genus of succulent, rosette-forming plants, commonly known as agaves or century plants, native to the Americas.
Agelaius Animal A genus of medium-sized, blackbirds, commonly known as red-winged blackbirds, native to North and Central America.
Aglae Animal A genus of large, colorful butterflies, commonly known as swallowtails, found in tropical regions of the Americas.
Aglaophenia Animal A genus of hydroids, small, colonial marine invertebrates, found in temperate and tropical marine environments.
Agnathans Animal A superclass of jawless vertebrates, including lampreys and hagfishes, found in marine and freshwater environments.
Agrostis Plant A genus of grasses, commonly known as bentgrasses, found in temperate regions worldwide.
Ailanthus Plant A genus of deciduous trees, commonly known as tree-of-heaven, native to China and Taiwan.
Aira Plant A genus of grasses
Aitchinsoniella Algae A genus of green algae found in freshwater environments, with a distinctive, star-shaped or branching colony structure.
Aix Animal A genus of waterfowl, commonly known as wood ducks, native to North America and East Asia.
Alaria Algae A genus of large, brown algae, commonly known as winged kelp or Atlantic wakame, found in cold, temperate marine environments.
Albizia Plant A genus of deciduous trees and shrubs, commonly known as silk trees or mimosa trees, native to tropical and subtropical regions.
Alcea Plant A genus of herbaceous, flowering plants, commonly known as hollyhocks, native to Asia and Europe.
Alchemilla Plant A genus of herbaceous, flowering plants, commonly known as lady’s mantle, found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Aleurites Plant A genus of trees, commonly known as candlenut or kukui nut trees, native to Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Aleutia Algae A genus of red algae found in cold, temperate marine environments, particularly in the northern Pacific Ocean.
Allamanda Plant A genus of flowering vines and shrubs

Descriptions

Aardvark
‘The aardvark is a unique mammal with a pig-like snout and a long
Aardwolf
‘The aardwolf is a small
Abies
‘Firs are evergreen coniferous trees native to North America and Eurasia. They are known for their distinctive needle-like leaves and cone-like fruits.’
Acacia
‘Acacias are a diverse genus of shrubs and trees found in warm regions around the world. They are known for their feathery leaves and clusters of small
Acalypha
‘Acalypha is a genus of flowering plants found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are known for their colorful
Acanthaceae
‘The Acanthaceae family includes a wide variety of flowering plants found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. They are known for their distinctive
Acanthophyllum
‘Acanthophyllum is a genus of spiny
Acanthus
Acanthus plants are known for their large, spiny leaves and showy flowers. They are often used in ornamental gardens and architecture, with the acanthus leaf motif appearing in classical Greek and Roman art and design.
Acer
‘Maples are a diverse genus of trees and shrubs found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are known for their distinctive
Aceraceae
The Aceraceae family contains around 130 species of trees and shrubs, most notably the various maple tree species. Maples are valued for their timber, fall foliage, and maple syrup production.
Acetabularia
‘Acetabularia is a genus of green algae found in tropical and subtropical marine environments. They are known for their unique
Achaemenid
The Achaemenid Empire was founded by Cyrus the Great and is renowned for its expansive territory, advanced governance, and cultural achievements like the construction of Persepolis.
Achillea
‘Yarrow is a genus of flowering plants found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are known for their feathery
Achnanthes
‘Achnanthes is a genus of diatoms
Achnatherum
‘Achnatherum is a genus of grasses found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are known for their needle-like awns and their use in ornamental gardening and landscaping.’
Achnophora
‘Achnophora is a genus of cup fungi found in temperate and subtropical regions. They are known for their distinctive
Achyranthes
‘Achyranthes is a genus of flowering plants found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are known for their distinctive
Acidithiobacillus
‘Acidithiobacillus is a genus of bacteria that thrive in acidic environments. They obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic sulfur compounds
Acipenser
‘Sturgeon are a genus of large
Acmella
‘Acmella is a genus of flowering plants found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are known for their small
Aconitum
Commonly called monkshood or wolfsbane, Aconitum plants are highly toxic and have historically been used as arrow poisons. They are also cultivated as ornamental garden plants due to their striking blue, purple, or white flowers.
Acorus
‘Sweetflag is a genus of aromatic
Acrocarpus
‘Acrocarpus is a genus of large
Acrocomia
‘Acrocomia is a genus of spiny
Acropora
‘Staghorn corals are a genus of stony corals found in tropical and subtropical marine environments. They are known for their branching
Actaea
Also known as baneberry, Actaea plants are found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Several species are cultivated as garden plants, but all parts of the plant are considered poisonous if ingested.
Actinonaias
Actinonaias is a genus of freshwater mussels found in rivers and streams of North America. They are filter feeders that play an important role in aquatic ecosystems by improving water quality.
Actinopora
‘Actinopora is a genus of small
Actinosphaera
‘Sun animalcules are a genus of freshwater protozoans with a distinctive
Actinosphaerium
‘Giant sun animalcules are a genus of freshwater protozoans with a large
Adansonia
‘Baobab trees are a genus of large
Adder
Adders are small, stocky snakes found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. They are identified by their distinctive zig-zag pattern and are the only venomous snake native to the UK.
Adiantum
‘Maidenhair ferns are a genus of delicate
Adoxa
‘Moschatel is a genus of small
Aechmea
Aechmea bromeliads are epiphytic plants native to tropical regions of the Americas. They are known for their rosette-forming leaves and showy, often brightly colored inflorescences.
Aecidium
Aecidium is a genus of rust fungi that infect a wide range of plants, including many economically important crops. They produce distinctive cup-shaped structures called aecia that release spores.
Aegagropila
‘Marimo moss balls are a genus of freshwater green algae found in lakes and ponds in temperate regions. They are known for their distinctive
Aegilops
‘Goatgrass is a genus of grasses found in temperate regions of the Mediterranean and central Asia. They are known for their importance in the evolution and domestication of wheat
Aegopodium
‘Ground elder
Aesculus
‘Buckeyes
Aethalium
‘Flowers of tan are a genus of slime molds found in temperate and tropical regions around the world. They are known for their distinctive
Aframomum
‘Grains of paradise are a genus of herbaceous
Agalinis
‘False foxgloves are a genus of annual
Agaricus
‘Button mushrooms
Agave
‘Agaves
Agelaius
‘Red-winged blackbirds are a genus of medium-sized blackbirds found in North and Central America. They are known for the distinctive red and yellow patches on their wings and their common presence in wetland and agricultural habitats.’
Aglae
‘Swallowtails are a genus of large
Aglaophenia
‘Aglaophenia is a genus of hydroids
Agnathans
‘Agnathans are a superclass of jawless vertebrates
Agrostis
‘Bentgrasses are a genus of grasses found in temperate regions around the world. They are known for their use in golf course and lawn turf
Ailanthus
‘Tree-of-heaven is a genus of deciduous trees native to China and Taiwan. They are known for their rapid growth
Aira
Aira is a genus of small, tufted grasses native to Europe and North Africa. They are often found in dry, sandy or rocky habitats and are considered weeds in some regions.
Aitchinsoniella
‘Aitchinsoniella is a genus of green algae found in freshwater environments. They are known for their distinctive
Aix
‘Wood ducks are a genus of waterfowl native to North America and East Asia. They are known for their striking
Alaria
‘Winged kelp
Albizia
‘Silk trees
Alcea
‘Hollyhocks are a genus of herbaceous
Alchemilla
‘Lady’s mantle is a genus of herbaceous
Aleurites
‘Candlenut or kukui nut trees are a genus of trees found in Asia and the Pacific Islands. They are known for their edible nuts
Aleutia
‘Aleutia is a genus of red algae found in cold
Allamanda
Allamanda is a genus of flowering vines and shrubs native to tropical regions of the Americas. They are known for their showy, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers and use in ornamental gardening.

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