- e|col|o|gy
- e|col|o|gy «ee KOL uh jee», noun, plural -gies.1. the branch of biology that deals with the relation of living things to their environment and to each other; bionomics: »
Ecology…is likewise a composite of the fundamental biological sciences (A. Franklin Shull).
2. the branch of sociology that deals with the relations between human beings and their environment: »Ecology, or the patterns of culture whereby a people adjust to their environment, undoubtedly plays a large role in the initiation of political systems (Beals and Hoijer).
3. a) the balanced or harmonious relationship of living things to their environment: »Spurred by mounting public alarm over smog-choked cities and a generally threatened ecology... (Time).
b) Figurative: »The introduction of a comprehensive computerized data base into a large company could well upset the "ecology' of the firm to such an extent that it could take ages to reestablish a stable balance (Science Journal).
╂[< Greek oîkos dwelling, habitation, house + English -logy]
Useful english dictionary. 2012.