archaeology

or ar·che·ol·o·gy

[ ahr-kee-ol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the scientific study of historic or prehistoric peoples and their cultures by analysis of their artifacts, inscriptions, monuments, and other such remains, especially those that have been excavated.
2. Rare. ancient history; the study of antiquity.

archaeology

/ ˌɑːkɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl; ˌɑːkɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study of man's past by scientific analysis of the material remains of his cultures See also prehistory protohistory

archaeology

/ är′kē-ŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of past human life and culture by the examination of physical remains, such as graves, tools, and pottery.

archaeology

1. The recovery and study of material objects, such as graves, buildings, tools, artworks, and human remains, to investigate the structure and behavior of past cultures . Archaeologists rely on physical remains as clues to the emergence and development of human societies and civilizations. Anthropologists, by contrast, to interact with living people to study their cultures.

Derived Forms

• ˌarchaeoˈlogically, adverb
• archaeological, adjective
• ˌarchaeˈologist, noun

Other Words From

• archae·olo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of archaeology¹

First recorded in 1600–10, archaeology is from the Greek word archaiología the discussion of antiquities. See archaeo-, -logy

Word History and Origins

Origin of archaeology¹

C17: from Late Latin archaeologia, from Greek arkhaiologia study of what is ancient, from arkhaios ancient (from arkhē beginning)

Example Sentences

Dr Murray Andrews, lecturer in British archaeology at University College London, said the discovery was "remarkable".

From BBC

Preserving the art is essential to understanding the ancient societies that created it, said Ancila Nhamo, a professor of archaeology at the University of Zimbabwe working on the project.

From Science Magazine

He was an early investor in lidar technology, recognizing during his former career as an aerial cinematographer that it has the potential to transform archaeology.

From Salon

This interdisciplinary research collaboration bridges the gap between humanities and engineering, driven by the team's passion for advancing the field of archaeology through a unique Arts-Tech partnership with HKU engineers.

From Science Daily

"Indigenous people were already caring for and managing forests and other kinds of tree foods," said Jacob Holland-Lulewicz at Pennsylvania State University, who studies archaeology and ethnohistory.

From Salon

Related Words

• excavation
• paleontology