eco-label
UK[ˈiːkəʊ ˌleɪbəl]US[ˈiːkoʊ ˌleɪbəl]
n
A label on a product that shows it has been produced in a way that is not harmful to the environment.
Morpheme Breakdown
eco
label
eco
ecology
label
identifying tag
Etymology
The term 'eco-label' is a modern compound, formed in the late 20th century as environmental awareness grew. The first element, 'eco-', is a direct clipping of 'ecology', which itself derives from the Greek 'oikos' (household) and '-logia' (study of), reflecting a concern for the 'household' of nature. The second element, 'label', comes from a French word for a ribbon or strip, which evolved to mean an identifying tag or marker. Combined, the word's literal logic is "an identifying tag for (ecological/environmental) matters," directly signaling a product's credentials regarding its impact on the natural environment.
Analysis
Structure: eco (ecology) + label (identifying tag)
- eco: A modern English combining form, shortened from 'ecology' or 'ecological'. It originates from the Greek 'oikos', meaning 'house, dwelling place, habitation'.
- label: A noun, from Old French 'label, lambel' (ribbon, fringe, strip), likely of Germanic origin.
Examples
Consumers are increasingly looking for the official eco-label when choosing cleaning products.
The company is proud that its entire paper range has earned the European eco-label.
To qualify for the eco-label, the manufacturer must meet strict criteria on energy use and recyclability.