archaeology

or ar·che·ol·o·gy

[ ahr-kee-ol-uh-jee ]

/ ˌɑr kiˈɒl ə dʒi /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR archaeology ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the scientific study of historic or prehistoric peoples and their cultures by analysis of their artifacts, inscriptions, monuments, and other such remains, especially those that have been excavated.

Rare. ancient history; the study of antiquity.

Nearby words

archaeocyathid, archaeocyte, archaeol., archaeological, archaeologist, archaeology, archaeomagnetism, archaeomagnetism dating, archaeometry, archaeon , archaeopteryx

Origin of archaeology

First recorded in 1600–10, archaeology is from the Greek word archaiología the discussion of antiquities. See archaeo-, -logy

Related forms

ar·chae·ol·o·gist, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for archaeology

The first time I ever heard about archaeology was in the fifth grade when we learned about Richard Leakey.
The Real-Life Raiders of the Lost Ark|Alex Belth|November 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Ruth Shady isn't my anything; she is her own, completely original force in archaeology.
The Real-Life Raiders of the Lost Ark|Alex Belth|November 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Archaeology is about paying attention to things that have been or could be indetectable or invisible to others.
The Real-Life Raiders of the Lost Ark|Alex Belth|November 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But it seems to be as if archaeology is, in some sense, about honoring the losers' story, too, right?
The Real-Life Raiders of the Lost Ark|Alex Belth|November 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Among these challengers is Olga Palagia, professor of archaeology at the University of Athens.
Amphipolis Tomb Yields Amazing Finds But Mysteries Linger|James Romm|October 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
"Archaeology is certainly a peaceful profession," Rick said admiringly.
The Golden Skull|John Blaine
Much might reasonably be expected from the sciences of archaeology and anthropology.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 7|Various
The geography and topography of ancient lands, anthropology and ethnology, archaeology and epigraphy contribute to its material.
College Teaching|Paul Klapper
This attitude of suspense is not without precedent in archaeology.
The Clyde Mystery|Andrew Lang
Archaeology is to social nature what comparative anatomy is to organized nature.
The Alkahest|Honore de Balzac

British Dictionary definitions for archaeology

archaeology

archeology

/ (ˌɑːkɪˈɒlədʒɪ) /

noun

the study of man's past by scientific analysis of the material remains of his culturesSee also prehistory, protohistory

Derived Forms

archaeological or archeological (ˌɑːkɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl), adjectivearchaeologically or archeologically, adverbarchaeologist or archeologist, noun

Word Origin for archaeology

C17: from Late Latin archaeologia, from Greek arkhaiologia study of what is ancient, from arkhaios ancient (from arkhē beginning)

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

Science definitions for archaeology

archaeology

archeology

(är′kē-ŏl′ə-jē)

The scientific study of past human life and culture by the examination of physical remains, such as graves, tools, and pottery.

Culture definitions for archaeology

archaeology

[ (ahr-kee-ol-uh-jee) ]

The recovery and study of material objects, such as graves, buildings, tools, artworks, and human remains, to investigate the structure and behavior of past cultures. Archaeologists rely on physical remains as clues to the emergence and development of human societies and civilizations. Anthropologists, by contrast, to interact with living people to study their cultures.