micrology

[mahy-krol-uh-jee]

noun

excessive attention to petty details or distinctions.

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 of micrology

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.
Atlantic Monthly, Volume 12, No. 73, November, 1863
Various

Word Origin and History for micrology

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