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micrology

[mahy-krol-uh-jee]
noun
  1. excessive attention to petty details or distinctions.
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Origin of micrology

First recorded in 1650–60, micrology is from the Greek word mīkrología minute discussion, frivolity. See micro-, -logy
Related formsmi·cro·log·i·cal [mahy-kruh-loj-i-kuh l] /ˌmaɪ krəˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl/, mi·cro·log·ic, adjectivemi·crol·o·gist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for micrology

Historical Examples

  • Micrology, mī-krol′o-ji, n. the branch of science which treats of microscopic objects.

    Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M)

    Various

  • Nothing that George liked better than botany, metaphysics, and micrology.

Word Origin and History for micrology

n.

"hair splitting, exaggerated attention to petty things," 1650s, from Greek mikrologia "pettiness, care for trifles," from micros (see micro-) + -logia (see -logy).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper