arcology

[ahr-kol-uh-jee]

noun

plural

arcologies 

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 Word Forms

• arcological adjective
• arcologically adverb
• arcologist 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?

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

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There was a light on in the arcology.

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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.

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

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