niche

niche

 (nĭch, nēsh)

n.

1. A recess in a wall, as for holding a statue or urn.

2. A cranny, hollow, or crevice, as in rock.

3.

a. A situation or activity specially suited to a person's interests, abilities, or nature: found her niche in life.

b. A special area of demand for a product or service: "One niche that is approaching mass-market proportions is held by regional magazines" (Brad Edmondson).

4. Ecology

a. The function or position of an organism or population within an ecological community.

b. The range of environmental conditions within which the members of a given species can survive and reproduce.

tr.v. niched, nich·ing, nich·es

To place in a niche.

niched, nich•ing. n.

1. a recess in a wall or the like, usu. semicircular in plan and arched, as for a statue.

2. a suitable place or position: to find one's niche in the world.

3. the position and function of a particular species or population in an ecological community.

4. a distinct segment of a market.

adj.

5. of or pertaining to a market niche: niche advertising.

v.t.

6. to place in a niche.