arcology

[ ahr-kol-uh-jee ]

noun

, plural ar·col·o·gies

1. a concept of architectural design in which an ideal city is contained within one immense vertical structure, thereby reducing wasteful consumption and preserving the natural surroundings:

   We are to imagine the principle of arcology as an opposite alternative to urban sprawl.

2. a city contained within one immense vertical structure, considered ideal for reducing wasteful consumption and preserving the natural surroundings:

   Students from nine states entered their designs for East Coast arcologies.

Other Words From

• ar·co·log·i·cal [ahr-k, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l] adjective
• ar·co·log·i·cal·ly adverb
• ar·col·o·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of arcology¹

First recorded in 1965–70; arc(hitecture) ( def ) + (ec)ology ( def )

Example Sentences

Why does this shimmering desert arcology, whose latest designs were unveiled last week, feel so familiar?

From Slate

There was a piece of an arcology, one of Earth’s miles-high super-buildings, sticking up from it.

From Nature

There was a light on in the arcology.

From Nature

He also invented the concept of Arcology, a way of thinking about urban design that's in harmony with the natural world and more sustainable.

From Fox News

Wide-eyed at the first travel agent who rolled by the arcology in a shiny new hover skid.

From Nature