| 释义 |
ec·u·mene
\ˈekyəˌmēn, eˈkyümə(ˌ)nē\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Greek oikoumenē, from feminine of oikoumenos inhabited, present participle middle of oikein to inhabit, from oikos house, habitation — more at vicinity
1.
a. : the permanently inhabited portion of the earth as distinguished from the uninhabited or temporarily inhabited area
< but that the southern limit of the ecumene should be pushed southward, to about latitude 68° S, in Graham Land — Geographical Review >
b. : the nuclear area or center of maximum activity of a state having the densest population and the closest network of transportation routes
< Russia's ecumene is on the same grand scale as that of the U.S. — Derwent Whittlesey >
2. anthropology : a nuclear area of high culture to which neighboring regions stand in a relation of cultural backwardness or dependence : civilization |