This week’s theme
Toponyms from fiction

This week’s words
grimgribber
ecotopia
ruritanian
edenic
stepford

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(EE-ko-to-pee-uh, EK-o-)

MEANING:

noun: An ecologically ideal place.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Ecotopia (1975), the title of a novel by Ernest Callenbach. In the book, the word is used to describe the Pacific coast of the US. A blend of eco- + utopia, which itself is the title of Thomas More’s 1516 book. Earliest documented use: 1975.

USAGE:

“The development plan calls for a veritable ecotopia ... The neighborhood would tap wind, solar, and perhaps tidal power.”
John Coté and Rachel Gordon; Deal on Transfer of Treasure Island; San Francisco Chronicle; Aug 18, 2010.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: