palynology

[ pal-uh-nol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the study of live and fossil spores, pollen grains, and similar plant structures.

palynology

/ ˌpælɪˈnɒlədʒɪ; ˌpælɪnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the study of living and fossil pollen grains and plant spores

palynology

/ păl′ə-nŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of spores and pollen, both living and fossilized. Palynology helps improve knowledge of ecosystems in both the recent and distant past, since pollen and spores are extremely durable, unlike many other plant parts.

Derived Forms

• ˌpalyˈnologist, noun
• palynological, adjective

Other Words From

• pal·y·no·log·i·cal [pal-, uh, -nl-, oj, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• paly·no·logi·cal·ly adverb
• paly·nolo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of palynology¹

1940–45; < Greek palýn ( ein ) to sprinkle, scatter (akin to pálē dust, Latin pollen; pollen ) + -o- + -logy

Word History and Origins

Origin of palynology¹

C20: from Greek palunein to scatter + -logy