Definition of "ecology" []

• The science of the relationships between organisms and their environments. Also called bionomics. (noun)
• The relationship between organisms and their environment. (noun)
• The branch of sociology that is concerned with studying the relationships between human groups and their physical and social environments. Also called human ecology. (noun)
• The study of the detrimental effects of modern civilization on the environment, with a view toward prevention or reversal through conservation. Also called human ecology. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The word ecology comes from the Greek words oikos and logos, and literally means "study of the home.""
• "He reminds us that the first part of the word "ecology" derives from the Greek word for house."
• "Historically and psychologically, this close connection to ecology is understandable."