archaeology

American  

[ahr-kee-ol-uh-jee] / ˌɑr kiˈɒl ə dʒi /

Or archeology

noun

1. 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.

2. Rare. ancient history; the study of antiquity.

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archaeology British  

/ ˌɑːkɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ˌɑːkɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study of man's past by scientific analysis of the material remains of his cultures See also prehistory protohistory

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archaeology Scientific  

/ är′kē-ŏl′ə-jē /

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

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archaeology Cultural  

1. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• archaeological adjective
• archaeologically adverb
• archaeologist noun

Etymology

Origin of archaeology

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

Example Sentences

"Our specialist archaeology team and contractors have carefully excavated numerous sites and have shown care and respect throughout this work."

From BBC

The findings take aim at one of archaeology's longest running debates and add weight to the idea that the stones were deliberately moved by human hands.

From Science Daily

For TV presenter and academic Prof Alice Roberts, archaeology in the UK's capital is rather reminiscent of a famous Italian dish.

From BBC

As Carter peeked through a crack in the tomb’s sealed door, his exchange with Carnarvon ranks as one of the most famous in all archaeology: “ ‘Can you see anything?’

From The Wall Street Journal

In an impact statement, read out in court, Brundle described how the "betrayal" had shaken her confidence in the authenticity of finds and had diverted time and resources from genuine archaeology.

From BBC

Related Words

• excavation
• paleontology