colonization

col·o·ni·za·tion  (kl-n-zshn)

n.

The act or process of establishing a colony or colonies.

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colonization  (kl-n-zshn)

The spreading of a species into a new habitat. For example, flying insects and birds are often the first animal species to initiate colonization of barren islands newly formed by vulcanism or falling water levels. The first plant species to colonize such islands are often transported there as airborne seeds or through the droppings of birds.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

colonization - the act of colonizing; the establishment of colonies; "the British colonization of America" colonisation, settlement establishment, constitution, formation, organisation, organization - the act of forming or establishing something; "the constitution of a PTA group last year"; "it was the establishment of his reputation"; "he still remembers the organization of the club" population - the act of populating (causing to live in a place); "he deplored the population of colonies with convicted criminals"