Words and Phrases.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20359, 17 July 1934, Page 6

Words and Phrases.

V. U.C. writes: Will you please enlighten me, and most likely many others, as to the exact meaning of “ ecology.” I know’ it is connected with botany, but I cannot find it in two dictionaries I have consulted. Thank you. The word is “ aecology,” or that branch of biology which deals with the relations of anitpals and plants to their surroundings, their habits and modes of life, etc. Like “ economy,” which was once spelt 44 occonomy,” occology comes from the Greek oikos, a house. Those who would like to avoid Americanisms will be interested in a note or two about the word “ store,” which was discussed yesterday. The dictionaries are unanimous in saying that English people adhere to the original meaning of the word store, ’ that is, a warehouse or place w’here goods are stored, and call the place where goods are sold, however large or splendid it may be, a shop; whereas in America the word store is applied to all places where goods are sold.

The English distinction is worth preserving. From the noun “ shop ” we have passed on to the verb 44 to shop,” and “ a shopping, expedition ” or 44 going shopping ’* has a universal meaning. Even an American would not speak of 44 going storing.” The English distinction is to be noted in two extracts from the greatest English writers of all time. Shakespeare says: In his needy shop a tortoise hung, An alligator stuffed, and other skins Of ill-shaped fishes; and about his shelves A beggarly account of empty boxes. Milton says: Sulphurous and nitrous foam, . . . Concocted and adjusted, they reduced To blackest grain, and into store conveyed. It is true that England now speaks of 44 department stores,” but it is an American corruption.