ecosystem
0 antonyms and opposites of ecosystem, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A community of living things together with the physical environment they interact with.
How to use ecosystem
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Coined in 1935 by the English botanist Arthur Tansley from "eco-" plus "system," describing how living organisms and their environment function as one connected whole.
Full origin of ecosystem →Frequently asked questions
What does “ecosystem” mean?
The word “ecosystem” means a community of living things together with the physical environment they interact with. In plain terms, a self-contained system of living things and their surroundings — or, more loosely, any tightly connected network of people, products, or businesses.
How do you pronounce “ecosystem”?
“Ecosystem” is pronounced EE-koh-sihs-tuhm (/ˈikoʊˌsɪstəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “ecosystem” in a sentence?
Here is “ecosystem” used in a sentence: “Coral reefs support one of the richest ecosystems on Earth.”
What part of speech is “ecosystem”?
“Ecosystem” is a noun.
Where does the word “ecosystem” come from?
The word “ecosystem” dates back to around 1935. Coined in 1935 by the English botanist Arthur Tansley from "eco-" plus "system," describing how living organisms and their environment function as one connected whole.
Is “ecosystem” a common word?
“Ecosystem” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “ecosystem” have?
“Ecosystem” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a community of living things together with the physical environment they interact with.
What is the difference between an ecosystem and a habitat?
A habitat is the specific physical environment where an organism lives, while an ecosystem is the entire community of living things together with the physical environment they interact with, including multiple habitats and species. An ecosystem is therefore a broader concept than a single habitat.
Can ecosystem be used outside of biology?
Yes, ecosystem is also used to describe a network of interconnected people, companies, or products that function together, such as a 'tech ecosystem' or a 'business ecosystem.' This figurative use borrows the idea of interdependent parts working as a whole from its biological meaning.
What is the difference between an ecosystem and the environment?
The environment refers broadly to the surroundings in which living things exist, while an ecosystem specifically describes the community of living things together with that environment, emphasizing how they interact. An ecosystem is essentially a functional unit within the wider environment.