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ichthyology

American  
[ik-thee-ol-uh-jee] / ˌɪk θiˈɒl ə dʒi /

noun

  1. the branch of zoology dealing with fishes.


ichthyology British  
/ ˌɪkθɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

  1. the study of the physiology, history, economic importance, etc, of fishes

"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

ichthyology Scientific  
/ ĭk′thē-ŏlə-jē /
  1. The scientific study of fish.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of ichthyology

First recorded in 1640–50; ichthyo- + -logy

Explanation

When you want to get schooled on how schools of fish live, breath, and migrate, you're diving right into what zoologists specializing in the study of fish call ichthyology. Strap on your scuba gear and dive to the bottom of the ocean and you'll be in a sweet spot for any ichthyology expert. With its origins in the Greek word ikhthus, meaning "fish" and the suffix -ology, or "the study of," ichthyology stretches as far back as the Stone Age — when studying fish meant having something to bring home for dinner.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing ichthyology

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Dr. William Ludt, the museum’s associate curator of ichthyology, or fish studies, told Spectrum One News in 2021 that he was excited about the discovery because “it’s an extremely rare specimen.”

From Los Angeles Times Oct. 21, 2023

Katherine Maslenikov, the museum’s ichthyology collections manager, was hesitant when Wood first approached her with the idea.

From Scientific American May 18, 2022

Richard Pyle, a senior curator of ichthyology at the Bishop Museum, said Dr. Randall was a generous mentor and among the most prolific ichthyologists of all time.

From Washington Post Apr. 30, 2020

Now, nine professors have taken refuge in the ichthyology section.

From Nature Jul. 15, 2019

The students are selected with reference to the study of geology and mineralogy, botany, and the various departments of zoölogy, entomology, ornithology, ichthyology.

From The Galaxy, May, 1877 Vol. XXIII.—May, 1877.—No. 5. by Various

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