myrmecology

American  

[mur-mi-kol-uh-jee] / ˌmɜr mɪˈkɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the branch of entomology dealing with ants.

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myrmecology British  

/ ˌmɜːmɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ˌmɜːmɪˈkɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of zoology concerned with the study of ants

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myrmecology Scientific  

/ mûr′mĭ-kŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of ants.

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Other Word Forms

• myrmecological
  adjective
• myrmecologist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of myrmecology

< Greek myrmēk-, stem of mýrmēx ant + -o- + -logy

Explanation

Myrmecology is the scientific study of ants. If you've ever had an ant farm, or been fascinated by a long, organized line of ants carrying pieces of leaves along the pavement, you may be interested in working in the field of myrmecology. Myrmecology is a type of entomology (the study of insects). The word myrmecology is built from the Greek word mýrmēx, which means "ant," and the suffix -logy, which comes from the Greek word logos, meaning "study of." People who work in the field of myrmecology are well aware of the impressive lives of ants. These tiny insects live in complex societies, have incredible strength for their diminutive size, and build underground cities with nurseries, fungus farms, waste chambers, and ventilation systems!