coordination
UK[kəʊˌɔːdɪˈneɪʃən]US[koʊˌɔːrdɪˈneɪʃən]
n
the process of organizing people or things so that they work together effectively
n
the ability to control your movements so that they are smooth and effective
Morpheme Breakdown
co
ordin
ation
co
together
ordin
order
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'coordination' is built upon the Latin verb 'coordinare', meaning "to set in order together". This verb itself is a compound of the prefix 'co-' (together) and 'ordinare' (to arrange, set in order), derived from 'ordo' (order, row). The core concept has always been the harmonious arrangement of separate elements into a unified, functional sequence. Over time, the meaning evolved from the literal ordering of objects to the abstract organization of people, activities, or bodily movements to achieve efficient and effective joint action. The suffix '-ation' solidifies this process as a state or the act of coordinating.
Analysis
Structure: co (together) + ordin (order) + ation (noun suffix)
co-: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "together, with, jointly".
ordin: Latin origin, from the root 'ordo' meaning "order, row, series".
-ation: Latin suffix via French, forming nouns of action or state.
Examples
The project requires close coordination between several departments.
Gymnasts need excellent hand-eye coordination.
A lack of coordination among the team members led to the plan's failure.