Agroecology
/ˌæɡroʊiːˈkɒlədʒi/noun
The study and practice of applying ecological principles to agricultural systems.
Did you know?Agroecology is a modern scientific term, but its two roots are ancient: Greek agrós meant a field or countryside, and oîkos meant a household or home—the same root behind words like economy and ecology.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂éǵros
“field, pasture, open land”
Ancient Greek
Greek
agrós
“field, land, countryside”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂éykʷos / *h₂óykos
“house, dwelling”
Ancient Greek
Greek
oîkos
“house, household, estate”
20th Century
English
agroecology
“the study of ecological principles as applied to agriculture”
Explore more surprising origins