paleontology

[ pey-lee-uhn-tol-uh-jeeor, especially British, pal-ee- ]

noun

, plural pa·le·on·tol·o·gies

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

paleontology

/ pā′lē-ŏn-tŏl′ə-jē /

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

paleontology

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

Other Words From

• pa·le·on·to·log·ic [pey-lee-on-tl-, oj, -ik, pal-ee-], pa·le·on·to·log·i·cal adjective
• pa·le·on·to·log·i·cal·ly adverb
• pa·le·on·tol·o·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of paleontology¹

From the French word paléontologie, dating back to 1830–40; paleo-, ontology

Example Sentences

This summer, Austin Hendy, an assistant curator at the Natural History Museum who specializes in invertebrate paleontology, spent hours sifting and sorting through thousands of fossilized shells found in the shell bed.

From Los Angeles Times

It was the first time that Milad, a 17 year-old senior, had held a 125,000-year-old fossil and now he hopes to study marine paleontology at a university as he applies to colleges this fall.

From Los Angeles Times

The Natural History Museum hasn’t announced plans to display the fossils found under the school but already has a marine paleontology section on display called L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

“That’s always the case with paleontology: The field gets to this boundary and then we just set up camp and hang around until somebody makes some new methodological break, and we advance,” Barden says.

From Science Magazine

“The museum will review the discoveries and localities to determine their significance and the permit holder can keep the fossils if the museum does not request them within 60 days of reporting,” said Rachel Narducci, collections manager at the museum’s Division of Vertebrate Paleontology.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• excavation