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Definition of ecology

ecology

/ɪˈkɑːlədʒi/
e · col · o · gy
Adverb:ecologically
•
Plural:ecologies
•
Adjective:ecological
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ecology Lexical Profile

ecology Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The branch of biology that deals with the relations and interactions between organisms and their physical surroundings, as well as with one another.

Example

"She decided to study marine ecology at university to better understand how warming oceans affect coral reefs."

2

The set of relationships existing between a particular organism or group of organisms and its natural or social environment; an ecosystem.

Example

"The introduction of invasive carp severely disrupted the delicate ecology of the river."

3

Advocacy and political movement for the protection of the natural environment from pollution and destruction.

Example

"In the 1970s, ecology emerged as a major political force shaping modern conservation laws."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ecology

• Rhymes for ecology

• Nearby Words

ecological
ecologically
ecologist
ecology
econobox
economic
economical

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1866 as 'Ökologie' by the German zoologist Ernst Haeckel, derived from the Ancient Greek 'oikos' (meaning house or dwelling place) and '-logia' (meaning study of).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ecology. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ecology
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