micrology

[ mahy-krol-uh-jee ]

/ maɪˈkrɒl ə dʒi /

noun

excessive attention to petty details or distinctions.

Nearby words

microlithiasis, microlithic, microlitic, microloan, micrological, micrology, micromanage, micromania, micromanipulation, micromarketing, micromelia

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

Examples from the Web for micrology

Nothing that George liked better than botany, metaphysics, and micrology.
Atlantic Monthly, Volume 12, No. 73, November, 1863|Various
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

Word Origin and History for micrology

micrology

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