Melioration: meaning, definitions and examples

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melioration

 

[ məˌlīəˈrāSH(ə)n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

improvement process

Melioration refers to the act of improving or making better, particularly in terms of land or environmental conditions. It often involves steps taken to enhance the productivity or quality of soil, typically through management practices or interventions. This term is commonly used in agriculture, ecology, and land management, where the focus is on optimizing the efficiency and health of ecosystems. Overall, melioration encompasses a variety of strategies aimed at enhancing natural resources and can also apply to social and economic contexts.

Synonyms

betterment, enhancement, improvement, refinement

Examples of usage

  • The melioration of farmland increased crop yields significantly.
  • Investing in melioration processes is essential for sustainable farming.
  • The project aimed at the melioration of degraded landscapes.

Translations

Translations of the word "melioration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 melioração

🇮🇳 सुधार

🇩🇪 Verbesserung

🇮🇩 perbaikan

🇺🇦 покращення

🇵🇱 melioracja

🇯🇵 改良

🇫🇷 amélioration

🇪🇸 mejora

🇹🇷 iyileştirme

🇰🇷 개선

🇸🇦 تحسين

🇨🇿 zlepšení

🇸🇰 zlepšenie

🇨🇳 改善

🇸🇮 izboljšanje

🇮🇸 bætir

🇰🇿 жақсарту

🇬🇪 გაუმჯობესება

🇦🇿 təkmilləşdirmə

🇲🇽 mejora

Etymology

The word 'melioration' comes from the Latin root 'meliorare', which means 'to make better'. This etymological origin reflects the term's focus on the process of improvement. The prefix 'melior-' derives from 'melior,' meaning 'better' in Latin. Initially used to describe agricultural practices that enhance soil quality, the term has evolved over time to encompass broader themes of enhancement and betterment in various fields. In the 19th century, melioration became particularly relevant in discussions about environmental management and land use, highlighting its importance in both ecological and economic contexts. The notion of melioration aligns with the growing awareness of sustainability, as societies look for ways to improve conditions while respecting natural systems.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,589, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.