paleontology

[pey-lee-uh n-tol-uh-jee or, esp. British, pal-ee-] /ˌpeɪ li ənˈtɒl ə dʒi or, esp. British, ˌpæl i-/
noun, plural paleontologies for 2.
1.
the science of the forms of life existing in former geologic periods, as represented by their fossils.
2.
a treatise on paleontology.
Origin
1830-40; < French paléontologie. See pale(o)-, ontology
Related forms
paleontologic
[pey-lee-on-tl-oj-ik or, esp. British, pal-ee-] /ˌpeɪ liˌɒn tlˈɒdʒ ɪk or, esp. British, ˌpæl i-/ (Show IPA), paleontological, adjective
paleontologically, adverb
paleontologist, noun
Examples from the web for paleontology
  • He has inspired research and raised the status of paleontology.
  • It is for the best for the students that they didn't hire me and ask me to teach paleontology.
  • She edits and writes articles for the magazine about paleontology and anthropology, among other topics.
  • paleontology is a science dealing with the life of past geological periods as known from fossil remains.
  • The study could transform the way paleontology is done.
  • In regards to the new discoveries paleontology and biology are not my areas of study.
  • Many types of knowledge are historical in nature including much of paleontology.
  • paleontology is a much broader endeavor than worrying about outward appearances.
  • Polar species heat up one of paleontology's great debates.
  • Home page for online links to paleontology resources.
Word Origin and History for paleontology
n.

1833, probably from French paléontologie, from Greek palaios "old, ancient" (see paleo-) + ontologie (see ontology). Related: Paleontological.

paleontology in Science
paleontology
  (pā'lē-ŏn-tŏl'ə-jē)   
The scientific study of life in the geologic past, especially through the study of animal and plant fossils.
paleontology in Culture
paleontology [(pay-lee-uhn-tol-uh-jee)]

The study of ancient life forms, particularly as they are seen in fossils.