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 pa·le·on·tol·o·gies for 2.

the science of the forms of life existing in former geologic periods, as represented by their fossils.
a treatise on paleontology.

Origin of paleontology

From the French word paléontologie, dating back to 1830–40. See pale(o)-, ontology

OTHER WORDS FROM paleontology

pa·le·on·to·log·ic [pey-lee-on-tl-oj-ik or, esp. British, pal-ee-] /ˌpeɪ liˌɒn tlˈɒdʒ ɪk or, esp. British, ˌpæl i-/, pa·le·on·to·log·i·cal, adjective pa·le·on·to·log·i·cal·ly, adverb pa·le·on·tol·o·gist, noun

Example sentences from the Web for paleontology

Scientific definitions for paleontology

paleontology
[ pā′lē-ŏn-tŏlə-jē ]

The scientific study of life in the geologic past, especially through the study of animal and plant fossils.

Cultural definitions for paleontology

paleontology
[ (pay-lee-uhn-tol-uh-jee) ]

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