n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a group of settlers in a new country (whether or not already inhabited) fully or partly subject to the mother country. b the settlement or its territory. 2 a people of one nationality or race or occupation in a city, esp. if living more or less in isolation or in a special quarter. b a separate or segregated group (nudist colony). 3 Biol. a collection of animals, plants, etc., connected, in contact, or living close together.
[ ME f. L colonia f. colonus farmer f. colere cultivate ]