arcology

American  

[ahr-kol-uh-jee] / ɑrˈkɒl ə dʒi /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• arcological adjective
• arcologically adverb
• arcologist noun

Etymology

Origin of arcology

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 • Aug. 1, 2022

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

From Nature • Dec. 4, 2018