Col"o*ny , n.
1. (Bot.) A cell family
or group of
common origin, mostly of unicellular organisms, esp. among the lower algæ. They may adhere in chains or groups, or be
held together by a gelatinous envelope.
2.
(Zoöl.) A cluster or aggregation of zooids of any compound animal, as in the corals,
hydroids, certain tunicates, etc.
3. (Zoöl.) A community of social insects, as ants, bees, etc.
Col"o*ny (?), n.;
pl. Colonies (#). [L.
colonia, fr. colonus farmer, fr.
colere to cultivate,
dwell: cf. F. colonie. Cf.
Culture.]
1. A company of
people transplanted from their mother country to a
remote province or country, and remaining subject to the jurisdiction of the parent state; as, the
British colonies in
America.
The first settlers of New England were the best of
Englishmen, well educated,
devout Christians, and zealous lovers of liberty. There was never a
colony formed of better materials.
Ames.
2. The district or country colonized; a settlement.
3. A company of persons from the same
country sojourning in a foreign
city or land; as, the
American colony in Paris.
4. (Nat. Hist.) A number of animals or plants living or growing together, beyond their usual range.
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