ethnology

[eth-nol-uh-jee] /ɛθˈnɒl ə dʒi/
noun
1.
a branch of anthropology that analyzes cultures, especially in regard to their historical development and the similarities and dissimilarities between them.
2.
(formerly) a branch of anthropology dealing with the origin, distribution, and distinguishing characteristics of the races of humankind.
Origin
1835-45; ethno- + -logy
Related forms
ethnological
[eth-nuh-loj-i-kuh l] /ˌɛθ nəˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl/ (Show IPA), ethnologic, adjective
ethnologically, adverb
ethnologist, noun
nonethnologic, adjective
nonethnological, adjective
nonethnologically, adverb
unethnologic, adjective
unethnological, adjective
unethnologically, adverb
Examples from the web for ethnology
  • To observe it in such conditions grows to be a game, fascinatingly inconsequential even where it verges on ethnology.
British Dictionary definitions for ethnology

ethnology

/ɛθˈnɒlədʒɪ/
noun
1.
the branch of anthropology that deals with races and peoples, their relations to one another, their origins, and their distinctive characteristics
Derived Forms
ethnologic (ˌɛθnəˈlɒdʒɪk), ethnological, adjective
ethnologically, adverb
ethnologist, noun
Word Origin and History for ethnology
n.

1842, from ethno- + -logy. Related: Ethnologist.

ethnology in Culture
ethnology [(eth-nol-uh-jee)]

The study of contemporary cultures, in order to develop a theoretical framework for analyzing human society. Cultural anthropologists generally study societies by living among the people, observing, interviewing, and participating in their activities. More than simply describing the customs of these societies, anthropologists attempt to uncover underlying patterns and structures of cultural characteristics, such as language, mythology, gender roles, symbols, and rituals.