i:ˈkɔnəmɪ n. (pl. -ies) 1 a
the wealth and resources of a
community,
esp. in terms of the
production and
consumption of goods and services. b a
particular kind of
this (a
capitalist economy). c the
administration or
condition of an economy. 2 a the
careful management of (esp. financial) resources; frugality. b (often in pl.) an
instance of this (made
many economies). 3
sparing or careful
use (economy of language). 4 (also economy class) the cheapest
class of
air travel. 5 (attrib.) (also economy-size) (of goods) consisting of a
large quantity for a proportionally lower
cost. [F ÷conomie or L oeconomia f. Gk oikonomia
household management f. oikos
house + nemo manage]