agribusiness
UK[ˈæɡrɪˌbɪznəs]US[ˈæɡrɪˌbɪznəs]
n
The business of agricultural production, including farming and the production, processing, and distribution of farm products.
Morpheme Breakdown
agri
business
agri
farming
business
commercial activity
Etymology
The term is a modern American English portmanteau, coined in the mid-20th century. It fuses the combining form "agri-," derived from the Latin ager (field), with the common English word "business." This construction directly reflects the word's conceptual logic: the application of industrialized, large-scale corporate models and practices to traditional agriculture. Literally "the business of farming," it signifies the evolution from small-scale, family-run farms to a major integrated economic sector involving production, processing, and marketing.
Analysis
Structure: agri (farming) + business (commercial activity)
- agri: From Latin ager (field, land). A combining form meaning "agriculture" or "farming."
- business: From Old English bisig (busy, occupied) + -ness (noun-forming suffix). Refers to a person's occupation or commercial enterprise.
Examples
The region's economy is heavily dependent on agribusiness.
Modern agribusiness relies heavily on technology and global supply chains.
She studied agricultural economics to pursue a career in agribusiness management.