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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner
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colony

IPA:

How to pronounce colony (audio)

Dictionary definition of colony

A group of individuals or organisms of the same species that live together in a specific geographic area, often characterized by a shared purpose, social structure, and interdependence.
"The bee colony buzzed with activity as workers busily built intricate honeycombs."

Detailed meaning of colony

Typically, colonies are established by species such as insects, birds, or mammals, where individuals gather and form a cooperative community to enhance their chances of survival, reproduction, and resource utilization. Within a colony, members collaborate and communicate, often exhibiting division of labor or specialized roles to maximize efficiency and productivity. The concept of a colony extends beyond the realm of the animal kingdom and can also apply to human settlements, such as historical colonies formed by explorers or settlers seeking new territories. In such cases, colonies are often established as extensions of a governing entity, with the purpose of expanding influence, resources, or cultural practices. Whether in the natural world or in human endeavors, colonies represent a form of organized collective existence, where individuals work together towards shared objectives.

Example sentences containing colony

1. The ant colony diligently foraged for food, each member playing a vital role in sustaining the community.
2. The astronaut gazed in awe at the lunar colony, marveling at the human presence on the desolate moon.
3. The British established a colony in the new land, aiming to expand their influence and resources.
4. The penguin colony huddled together for warmth, braving the harsh Antarctic conditions.
5. The microbiologists studied the bacterial colony, observing its growth patterns under different conditions.
6. The artist captured the vibrant colors of a coral colony in a breathtaking painting.

History and etymology of colony

The noun 'colony' has an etymology rooted in the Latin word 'colonia,' which was used to describe a settlement or community established by Roman citizens in newly conquered or distant territories. This term is derived from 'colonus,' meaning 'farmer' or 'settler,' and it emphasized the idea of people coming together to form a community in a new location. Over time, the word 'colony' evolved to encompass various contexts, including biology, where it refers to a group of organisms of the same species living together in a specific geographic area. In this sense, a colony often exhibits shared purposes, social structures, and interdependence, similar to the community aspect of the original Roman colonies. The etymology of 'colony' thus highlights the concept of individuals or organisms gathering and establishing a cohesive group in a particular place, whether for cultural, social, or biological reasons.

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Further usage examples of colony

1. The space explorers encountered a mysterious alien colony on a distant planet.
2. The bird colony nested on the cliffs, creating a spectacle of chirping and fluttering wings.
3. The colony of beavers constructed an elaborate dam, transforming the landscape.
4. The colony of ants synchronized their movements flawlessly, creating an impressive display of teamwork.
5. The historical colony attracted tourists with its preserved buildings and rich cultural heritage.
6. The bustling bee colony worked tirelessly to gather nectar.
7. The penguin colony huddled together for warmth in the icy expanse.
8. The intricate tunnels of the ant colony extended deep into the ground.
9. The coral colony exhibited a dazzling array of colors on the reef.
10. A harmonious meerkat colony relied on teamwork for survival.
11. The human colony thrived along the fertile riverbanks.
12. The termite colony's relentless appetite posed a structural threat.
13. The sea lion colony basked lazily under the sun's warmth.
14. The butterfly colony embarked on an epic migration across continents.
15. The penguin colony endured the harsh Antarctic winter as a family.
16. The bird colony nested precariously on the sheer cliff face.
17. The bat colony took flight at dusk in search of insects.
18. The hermit crab colony engaged in lively shell-swapping activities.
19. A bustling prairie dog colony created a network of complex burrows.
20. Penguins in the colony took turns caring for their adorable chicks.
21. The coral colony was a bustling metropolis of marine life.
22. The research focused on understanding the dynamics of the ant colony.
23. The honeybee colony produced copious amounts of sweet honey.
24. The artist captured the vibrant energy of the butterfly colony.
25. The meerkat colony's social structure was intricate and fascinating.

ACT 9 (American College Testing), Community and Society, Connections and Interactions

assemblage,collective,congregation,enclave,group,habitat,settlement

aggregation,commune,community,society

settlement, individual, solitary, independent

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