ecumene
noun
ec·u·mene
ˈekyəˌmēn,
eˈkyümə(ˌ)nē
plural -s
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—
Geography Review
Geography 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
Derwent Whittlesey2
anthropology
: a nuclear area of high culture to which neighboring regions stand in a relation of cultural backwardness or dependence : civilization
Dictionary Entries Near ecumene
Cite this Entry
“Ecumene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecumene. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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