speleology

or spe·lae·ol·o·gy

[ spee-lee-ol-uh-jee ]

noun
  1. the exploration and study of caves.

Origin of speleology

1
1890–95; <Latin spēlae(um) (see spelaean) + -o- + -logy

Other words from speleology

  • spe·le·o·log·i·cal [spee-lee-uh-loj-i-kuhl], /ˌspi li əˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl/, adjective
  • spe·le·ol·o·gist, noun

Words Nearby speleology

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British Dictionary definitions for speleology

speleology

spelaeology

/ (ˌspiːlɪˈɒlədʒɪ) /


noun
  1. the scientific study of caves, esp in respect of their geological formation, flora and fauna, etc

  2. the sport or pastime of exploring caves

Origin of speleology

1
C19: from Latin spēlaeum cave

Derived forms of speleology

  • speleological or spelaeological (ˌspiːlɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl), adjective
  • speleologist or spelaeologist, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for speleology

speleology

[ spē′lē-ŏlə-jē ]


  1. The exploration and scientific study of the geological and ecological features of caves.

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