speleology

or spe·lae·ol·o·gy

[ spee-lee-ol-uh-jee ]
/ ˌspi liˈɒl ə dʒi /

noun

the exploration and study of caves.

Origin of speleology

1890–95; < Latin spēlae(um) (see spelaean) + -o- + -logy

OTHER WORDS FROM speleology

spe·le·o·log·i·cal [spee-lee-uh-loj-i-kuh l] /ˌspi li əˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl/, adjective spe·le·ol·o·gist, noun

Words nearby speleology

speir, speiss, spek, speke, spelaean, speleology, speleotherapy, spelk, spell, spell checker, spell out

British Dictionary definitions for speleology

speleology

spelaeology

/ (ˌspiːlɪˈɒlədʒɪ) /

noun

the scientific study of caves, esp in respect of their geological formation, flora and fauna, etc
the sport or pastime of exploring caves

Derived forms of speleology

speleological or spelaeological (ˌspiːlɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl), adjective speleologist or spelaeologist, noun

Word Origin for speleology

C19: from Latin spēlaeum cave

Scientific definitions for speleology

speleology
[ spē′lē-ŏl′ə-jē ]

The exploration and scientific study of the geological and ecological features of caves.