[nich] 
noun, adjective, verb, niched, nich⋅ing.| 1. | an ornamental recess in a wall or the like, usually semicircular in plan and arched, as for a statue or other decorative object. |
| 2. | a place or position suitable or appropriate for a person or thing: to find one's niche in the business world. |
| 3. | a distinct segment of a market. |
| 4. | Ecology. the position or function of an organism in a community of plants and animals. |
| 5. | pertaining to or intended for a market niche; having specific appeal: niche advertising. |
| 6. | to place (something) in a niche. |
| niche (nĭch, nēsh) n.
To place in a niche. [French, from Old French, from nichier, to nest (from Vulgar Latin *nīdicāre, from Latin nīdus, nest; see sed- in Indo-European roots) or from Old Italian nicchio, seashell (perhaps from Latin mītulus, mussel).] |
niche (nĭch, nēsh)
n.
An eroded or ulcerated area detected by contrast radiography.
The function or position of an organism or a population within an ecological community.
The particular area within a habitat occupied by an organism.
| niche (nĭch, nēsh) Pronunciation Key
The function or position of a species within an ecological community. A species's niche includes the physical environment to which it has become adapted as well as its role as producer and consumer of food resources. See also competitive exclusion principle. |