geology

American  

[jee-ol-uh-jee] / dʒiˈɒl ə dʒi /

noun

plural

geologies

1. the science that deals with the dynamics and physical history of the earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the physical, chemical, and biological changes that the earth has undergone or is undergoing.

2. the study of this science.

3. the geologic features and processes occurring in a given region on the earth or on a celestial body.

   the geology of Mars; the geology of eastern Kentucky.

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geology British  

/ dʒɪˈɒlədʒɪ, ˌdʒɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the scientific study of the origin, history, structure, and composition of the earth

2. the geological features of a district or country

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geology Scientific  

/ jē-ŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of the origin of the Earth along with its rocks, minerals, land forms, and life forms, and of the processes that have affected them over the course of the Earth's history.

2. The structure of a specific region of the Earth, including its rocks, soils, mountains, fossils, and other features.

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geology Cultural  

1. The science devoted to the study of the Earth, particularly the solid Earth and the rocks that compose it.

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Other Word Forms

• geological adjective
• geologically adverb
• geologist noun

Etymology

Origin of geology

First recorded in 1680–90; geo- + -logy

Example Sentences

While parts of California’s geography, geology and meteorology make circumstances unique along Highway 1, Beck said, precarious — and even crumbling — coastal highways are a relatively common problem across the globe.

From Los Angeles Times

But the number of reservoirs that can support traditional geothermal drilling is limited by geology—projects normally need a lot of hot rocks and water in the right configuration to make it work.

From Barron's

It is partly due to soft geology, according to Prof Robert Nicholls, an expert in climate adaptation at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia, Norwich.

From BBC

Literally the answer must be no: Any stories they tell are scientific interpretations of minerals, fossils, isotopes and other features, whether from a geology laboratory or rock outcrop.

From The Wall Street Journal

Historically, independents first de-risk geology and operations of an oilfield, and their work creates a bridge for larger companies once uncertainty has been reduced.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• earth science
• geopolitics
• topography