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ecosystem

The origin and history of ecosystem.

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.

· First attested 1935

Class of 1935

ecosystem first entered the language around 1935. Other words from the same year:

See the full Class of 1935 →
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Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.