A colony is generally defined as a territory or area that is controlled or governed by people from another, often distant, country or powerful state. It can also refer to a group of people who settle in a new place while maintaining ties with their homeland, or even to a community of organisms living together, such as an ant or bacteria colony.
Main Meanings of "Colony"
- A country or territory controlled or ruled by a foreign power, typically distant from the governing country.
- A group of people who move to and settle in a new place, often still retaining cultural or political ties to their original homeland.
- In biology, a colony is a group of the same species of organisms living or growing together in one area, such as a colony of ants or bacteria.
Usage Examples
- Former British colonies like Australia or New Zealand were governed politically by Britain until gaining independence.
- People may form artist colonies or communities based on shared interests, where members live and work closely together.
- A colony of penguins refers to a group of penguins living together in one location.
Historical Origin
The word "colony" comes from the Latin "colonia," meaning "settled land" or "farm," and it originally referred to Roman settlements.
In summary, "colony" can describe a territory ruled by a distant power, a settlement of people maintaining ties to their homeland, or a cluster of organisms living together in one area.
