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Sep 24, 2025
This week’s theme
Words with Seattle connections

This week’s words
skid row
spacearium
ecotopia
space needle
grunge

ecotopia
Cover of the first edition of the novel
Cover: Banyan Tree Books

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A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Garg

ecotopia

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. Earliest documented use: 1975.

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

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Men are often capable of greater things than they perform. They are sent into the world with bills of credit and seldom draw to their full extent. -Horace Walpole, novelist and essayist (24 Sep 1717-1797)

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