Definition & Meaning: Eco- Word Root
The Eco- Root Word is a combining form representing Ecology, dealing with the relations of organisms to one another and their physical surroundings. Several terms in science use the prefix in this strict sense:
- Eco-system: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
- Eco-sphere: The biosphere of the earth or another 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 commonly used 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. For instance:
- Eco-friendly: Not harmful to the environment.
- Ecotourism: Tourism directed towards exotic, often threatened, natural environments, especially to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife.
- Ecoterrorism: Violence carried out to further environmentalist ends.
- Ecofeminism: A philosophical and political theory and movement combining environmental concerns with feminist ones.
Words Based on the Eco- Word Root
Following is a list of words based on the Eco- Root Word:
Commonly Used Words based on this Word Root:
- Ecoactivist: One who actively opposes the pollution or destruction of the environment by other means.
- Ecobabble: Using the technical language of ecology to make the user seem ecologically aware.
- Eco-friendly: Not harmful to the environment.
- Ecotourism: Tourism directed towards exotic, often threatened, natural environments, especially to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife.
- Ecoterrorism: Violence carried out to further environmentalist ends.
- Ecofeminism: A philosophical and political theory and movement which parallels and combines environmental concerns with feminist ones.
Archaic Words based on this Word Root:
- Ecobiosis: The conditions pertaining to a mode of life within a specific habitat.
- Ecotype: A distinct form or race of a plant or animal species occupying a particular habitat.
Technical Words/Jargon based on this Word Root:
- Ecobiology: The study of the relationships of organisms to their natural environments.
- Ecocatastrophe: Major damage to the environment, especially when caused by human activity.
- Bioecological: A reference to the interrelationships between plants and animals and their abiotic environments.
- Bioecologist: Someone who favours, or specialises in, bioecology; such as, an ecologist.
- Bioecology: The science of organisms as affected by the factors of their environments.
- Ecocidal: Designed or tending to destroy the environment.
- Ecocide: Destruction or damage of the environment.
- Ecoclimate: The climate as an ecological factor; the climate of a habitat.
- Ecocline: Reflecting ecological conditions in general.
Related Word Roots
Here are some related word roots that carry similar meanings:
1. Bio- (Greek: ‘life’):
Meaning: Relating to life or living organisms.
- Biology: The study of living organisms.
- Biome: A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat.
- Biotic: Relating to or resulting from living organisms.
2. Enviro- (Latin: ‘to surround’):
Meaning: Relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its condition.
- Environment: The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.
- Environmentalism: Concern about and action aimed at protecting the environment.
- Environmental: Relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its condition.
3. Geo- (Greek: ‘earth’):
Meaning: Relating to the earth.
- Geography: The study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere.
- Geology: The science that deals with the earth’s physical structure and substance.
- Geothermal: Relating to or produced by the internal heat of the earth.
With this, the lesson on the root word Eco- comes to an end. If you learned some new words, remember to revise them often to strengthen your vocabulary. Be focused. Happy Learning!
Want to explore more Word Roots?
Explore Our Full Word Roots Section
