English · Nature & Environment
ecology
/iˈkɒl.ə.dʒi/
[/iˈkɒl.ə.dʒi/]
study of ecosystems
Advancednoun
Definition
The branch of science that studies the relationships between living things and their environment.
Example
Her work in ecology focused on how wolves shaped the rivers of the national park.
Her work in ecology focused on how wolves shaped the rivers of the national park.
Etymology
Coined in 1866 from Greek 'oikos' (house) and '-logia' (study).
How & Where It’s Used
Both an academic field and a general term for environmental balance.