cryptozoology

[ krip-toh-zoh-ol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the study of evidence tending to substantiate the existence of, or the search for, creatures whose reported existence is unproved, as the Abominable Snowman or the Loch Ness monster.

cryptozoology

/ -zuː-; ˌkrɪptəʊzəʊˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study of creatures, such as the Loch Ness monster, whose existence has not been scientifically proved

Other Words From

• crypto·zo·olo·gist noun
• cryp·to·zo·o·log·i·cal [krip-toh-zoh-, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryptozoology¹

crypto- + zoology

Example Sentences

“You’re not going to read about cryptozoology in the New York Times that often,” Gerbic said.

From Slate

And tenured professors at esteemed academic institutions have generally decided not to touch cryptozoology with a 10-foot pole, even to debunk it, perhaps fearing guilt by association with such a disreputable subject matter.

From Slate

And that word is overused, according to Bigfoot fans, who complained about how “pseudoscience” is mentioned five times in the lead section of the cryptozoology Wikipedia page.

From Slate

As it happens, Wikipedia mentions numerous times that there is a subset of cryptozoology that promotes Young Earth creationism, a belief system whose adherents hold that the Earth is only 6,000 to 10,000 years old.

From Slate

At the same time, Wikipedia should continue to clearly label cryptozoology as pseudoscience, reflecting the exact language that’s used by reliable sources.

From Slate