palaeontology

/ ˌpælɪɒnˈtɒlədʒɪ; ˌpælɪˌɒntəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the study of fossils to determine the structure and evolution of extinct animals and plants and the age and conditions of deposition of the rock strata in which they are found See also palaeobotany palaeozoology
2. another name for palaeozoology

Derived Forms

• palaeontological, adjective
• ˌpalaeˌontoˈlogically, adverb
• ˌpalaeonˈtologist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of palaeontology¹

C19: from palaeo- + onto- + -logy

Example Sentences

Tegan and mum Claire have been told by the National Museum Wales palaeontology curator that she is "fairly certain they are genuine dinosaur prints".

From BBC

Steve Brusatte, professor of palaeontology and evolution at the University of Edinburgh, who is originally from the US, says stegosaurus specimens are very rare and, if genuine, this one belongs in a museum.

From BBC

This study is an example of how modern analytical palaeontology and rigorous scientific methods can resolve an almost century-old palaeontological enigma.

From Science Daily

"The more I study palaeontology, the more I realise how much is missing. In terms of this creature and the world it lived in, we're really just scratching the surface."

From BBC

The institute works to facilitate research and education in palaeontology and archaeology in northern Kenya.

From BBC