Colony

Definition

A colony refers to a group of people or animals living in a specific area, often governed or controlled by a distant country. It can also refer to a settlement established by people from one country in another, as well as a community of organisms living together, such as a colony of ants or bacteria.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɑːləni/
• Respelling: KAH-luh-nee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɒləni/
• Respelling: KOL-uh-nee

Etymology

The word "colony" originates from the Latin word "colonia," which means "settlement" or "farm." It is derived from "colonus," meaning "farmer" or "settler," and "colere," meaning "to cultivate" or "to inhabit." The term entered English in the late Middle Ages and was initially used to describe a group of settlers from a mother country establishing a community in a foreign land.

Derivatives

• Colonial (adjective)
• Colonist (noun)
• Colonization (noun)
• Colonize (verb)
• Colonizer (noun)

Synonyms

• Settlement
• Outpost
• Territory

Antonyms

• Empire
• Independence
• Nation

Usage

The term "colony" is often used in historical, biological, and political contexts. For example, "The British established a colony in India during the 19th century," or "A colony of penguins was discovered in the Arctic." In biology, it refers to groups of organisms living together for mutual benefit, as in "a colony of bacteria growing in a petri dish." In a political or historical sense, it refers to a territory ruled by another country.

Related Terms

• Imperialism: The practice of extending a country's influence through colonization or military force.
• Settlement: A place where people establish a community.
• Province: A division of a country or empire under the control of a central government.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A settlement of people governed by a distant country: Refers to a group of people who settle in a new area but remain under the authority of their home country.
  • Example: "The first British colony in North America was established in 1607."
• A group of animals or plants living together: Describes a biological community of organisms that live in close association with each other.
  • Example: "A colony of ants worked together to build their nest."
• A group of people sharing common interests living together: Refers to a community where people of shared interests or purposes live in close proximity.
  • Example: "The artists formed a colony to share ideas and collaborate."