Niche (redirected from niche pericarditis)

niche: see ecology.

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niche

Smallest unit of a habitat that is occupied by an organism. A habitat niche is the physical space occupied by the organism; an ecological niche is the role the organism plays in the community of organisms found in the habitat. The activities of an organism and its relationships to other organisms are determined by its particular structure, physiology, and behaviour.

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niche

1. a recess in a wall, esp one that contains a statue

2. any similar recess, such as one in a rock face

3. Commerce relating to or aimed at a small specialized group or market

4. Ecology the role of a plant or animal within its community and habitat, which determines its activities, relationships with other organisms, etc.

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niche [nich]

(ecology)

The unique role or way of life of a plant or animal species.

(geology)

A shallow cave or reentrant produced by weathering and erosion near the base of a rock face or cliff or beneath a waterfall.

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niche

A recess in a wall, usually to contain sculpture or an urn; often semicircular in plan, surmounted by a half dome.

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Niche 

(1) In architecture, a recess in a wall for a statue, a vase, built-in shelves, and similar objects. Niches are sometimes used to impart a sculptural quality to a wall.

(2) In geomorphology, a niche, or crater, is a cavity in the lower part of a protruding abrasion shoreline. It occurs as a result of wave erosion. As the niche becomes deeper, the weight of the bench of bedrock hanging over it increases. The bench finally breaks off and a cliff, an overhanging scarp, forms.

(3) In military science, a niche is a recess in the wall of a trench or communications passage. It is used to store ammunition and water and serves as protection from bullets, shell fragments, and mortar fire. It is also a shelter during bad weather. In loose soils, the walls and ceiling of the niche are faced with boards or any available material.