-arium, -ariom-
(Greek: a suffix; little, small)
terrarium (s), terraria (pl)
1. A small enclosure or closed container in which selected living plants and sometimes a vivarium for small land animals; such as, turtles and lizards, are kept and observed in a simulated natural environment; as distinguished from an aquarium for aquatic animals.
2. A sealed glass container often in the shape of a globe that is used for growing ornamental plants that require a high level of humidity.
3. From Latin terra "earth" and modeled on aquarium; because, as stated above, it was designed for land animals.