colonization
US /ˌkɑː.lə.nəˈzeɪ.ʃən/
UK /ˌkɑː.lə.nəˈzeɪ.ʃən/
1.
the action or process of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of an area
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The colonization of new territories often led to conflict.
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The history of colonization is complex and controversial.
2.
the establishment of a colony of organisms or cells in a new habitat or host
:
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Bacterial colonization of the gut is essential for digestion.
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The rapid colonization of the wound by bacteria led to infection.