ecology

1. (countable, uncountable) The branch of biology dealing with the relationships of organisms with their environment and with each other.
2. (broadly, countable, uncountable) Any study of the relationships of components of a system with their environment and with each other.
3. (countable, uncountable) The totality or pattern of relationships of components of a system with their environment and with each other.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɪˈkɒl.ə.d͡ʒi/

Etymology

Calque of German Ökologie (coined in 1866 by Ernst Haeckel), from Ancient Greek οἶκος (oîkos, “house”) + -λογία (-logía, “study of”). By surface analysis, eco- + -logy.

Synonyms

bionomics

environmental science

mode of life

lifestyle

education for a sustainable environment

environmental study

eco-

ecological sciences

environmental biology

ecol

ethology

environmental education