ecologist

UK: ɪˈkɒlədʒɪst | US: ɪˈkɑːlədʒɪst

Definition

  1. n. a scientist who studies the relationships between organisms and their environments

  2. n. an advocate for environmental conservation

Structure
eco <environment, from Greek *oikos* (household)>log <study, from Greek *logos* (word, reason)>ist <noun suffix, denoting a practitioner>
Etymology

The word ecologist combines eco- (derived from Greek oikos, meaning "household" or "environment") and -logy (from Greek logos, meaning "study" or "discourse"). The suffix -ist indicates a person who specializes in the field. Originally rooted in the concept of studying the "household of nature," the term evolved in the 19th century to describe scientists investigating ecological systems, later expanding to include environmental advocacy.

Examples

  1. The ecologist conducted field research on rainforest biodiversity.

  2. As an ecologist, she advocates for sustainable urban planning.

  3. The ecologist published a paper on climate change impacts.

  4. Ecologists warn about the decline of bee populations.

  5. He became an ecologist to protect endangered species.