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/milieu
• ambience
• vicinity
• proximity

Umgebung