herpetology

[ hur-pi-tol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the branch of zoology dealing with reptiles and amphibians.

herpetology

/ ˌhɜːpɪtəˈlɒdʒɪk; ˌhɜːpɪˈtɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study of reptiles and amphibians

herpetology

/ hûr′pĭ-tŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of reptiles and amphibians.

Derived Forms

• ˌherpeˈtologist, noun
• herpetologic, adjective
• ˌherpetoˈlogically, adverb

Other Words From

• her·pe·to·log·ic [hur-pi-tl-, oj, -ik], herpe·to·logi·cal adjective
• herpe·to·logi·cal·ly adverb
• herpe·tolo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of herpetology¹

1815–25; < Greek herpetó ( n ) a creeping thing (Compare hérpein to creep) + -logy; serpent

Word History and Origins

Origin of herpetology¹

C19: from Greek herpeton creeping animal, from herpein to creep

Example Sentences

Reports on the ichthyology and herpetology of Massachusetts.

From Project Gutenberg

Thirteenth contribution to the herpetology of tropical America.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he was taken with a fit of herpetology in his boots, and sank to advise no more.

From Project Gutenberg

Herpetology, her-pet-ol′oj-i, n. the branch of natural history which treats of reptiles.

From Project Gutenberg

Her′petoid, serpent-like; Herpetolog′ic, -al, pertaining to herpetology.

From Project Gutenberg