Meaning & Definition of word "Colony"
to
Colony
/ˈkɒləni/
noun:
- 1. A territory claimed or settled by a sovereign power that is distinct from the mother country.
- Example: The British established a colony in North America.
- 2. A group of people from one country who settle in another country and maintain ties with their homeland.
- Example: The Italian colony in Argentina has preserved many of its cultural traditions.
- 3. A group of organisms of the same kind living or growing together.
- Example: The coral reef is home to a vibrant colony of sea creatures.
- 4. An aggregate of people or things considered as a unit.
- Example: She belongs to a colony of artists who share a studio.
Etymology
From Latin 'colonia', meaning 'farmstead', from 'colere' meaning 'to cultivate'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
penal colony:
A settlement established to house prisoners.
colony collapse disorder:
A phenomenon affecting bee populations, leading to significant population declines.
ant colony:
A social structure of ants living together and working cooperatively.
Related Words
colonial:
Relating to a colony or colonies, particularly during the period of European colonization.
colonist:
A person who settles in a colony.
colonization:
The action or process of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of an area.
Slang Meanings of colony
Meaning: A term for a group of people operating closely or in a clique.
Example Sentence: The tech colony is known for its innovative startups.
Meaning: Informally referring to a gathering or community of specific hobbyists.
Example Sentence: The gaming colony meets every Saturday to play and discuss new strategies.