co-op
UK: ˈkəʊ.ɒp | US: ˈkoʊ.ɑːp
n. 1. A cooperative business or organization owned and run jointly by its members.
n. 2. Short for "cooperative apartment" (a housing unit in a jointly owned building).
v. (rare) To work or operate cooperatively.
The term "co-op" is a clipped form of "cooperative," derived from the Latin cooperari (to work together). The prefix "co-" (from Latin com-, meaning "together") merges with the shortened "op" (from "operation"), reflecting the collaborative nature of such enterprises. The word gained prominence in the 19th century with the rise of cooperative movements, emphasizing shared ownership and democratic control.
She buys organic produce from the local food co-op.
They decided to co-op the project to reduce costs.
The housing co-op voted to renovate the building.
Many artists join co-ops to share studio space.
The grocery co-op offers discounts to its members.