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eco-

Ecology; the natural environment.

Greek oikos, house.

Ecology deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings. Several terms in scientific use the prefix in this strict sense: ecosystem, a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment; ecosphere, the biosphere of the earth or other planet, especially when the interaction between the living and non-living components is emphasized; ecotype, a distinct form or race of a plant or animal species occupying a particular habitat.

The prefix is more common in a broader sense that refers to the natural environment, especially something that aids its preservation; in this sense it is intimately linked to green issues and the environmentalist movement. A product that is eco-friendly does not harm the environment; ecotourism tourism directed towards exotic, often threatened, natural environments, especially to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife; ecoterrorism is violence carried out to further environmentalist ends; ecofeminism is a philosophical and political theory and movement which parallels and combines environmental concerns with feminist ones.

Copyright © Michael Quinion 2008–. All rights reserved. Your comments are very welcome.