recolonization

noun

re·col·o·ni·za·tion | \ (ˌ)rē-ˈkä-də-ˌfī

plural recolonizations

Definition of recolonization

: the colonization of a previously colonized region or habitat: such as

a : the act of re-establishing colonies in or on an area Mr. Sumter has very fully disclosed the real views of the British government and their longings for the recolonization of the Spanish and Portuguese possessions in America. —John Quincy Adams

b : the repopulation of a habitat by a previously colonizing species The recolonization of the Soda Mountains by bighorn sheep shows how important these natural connections are and how resilient nature can be when given a chance. —Thomas E. Lovejoy and Edward O. Wilson The persistent antimicrobial effectiveness is a quantitative measurement of a product's ability to prevent microbial recolonization of the skin surfaces … —Daryl S. Paulson