oceanography

[ oh-shuh-nog-ruh-fee, oh-shee-uh- ]

/ ˌoʊ ʃəˈnɒg rə fi, ˌoʊ ʃi ə- /

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See synonyms for: oceanographic on Thesaurus.com

noun

the branch of physical geography dealing with the ocean.

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Origin of oceanography

First recorded in 1855–60; ocean + -o- + -graphy

OTHER WORDS FROM oceanography

o·cea·nog·ra·pher, nouno·cea·no·graph·ic

[oh-shuh-nuh-graf-ik], /ˌoʊ ʃə nəˈgræf ɪk/, o·cea·no·graph·i·cal, adjectiveo·cea·no·graph·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use oceanography in a sentence

The search will be carried out by Sea Scout, an oceanographic search ship.
Streaker Crashes Dolce & Gabbana Runway; Kanye West's "I Am God" Song Inspired By Fashion Show Invitation|The Fashion Beast Team|June 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Technology used in the search was provided by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts.
Will Flight Recorder Solve Air France Flight 447 Mystery?|Clive Irving|May 2, 2011|DAILY BEAST
A center for oceanographic research that is one of the world's finest sea life exhibits.
Oahu Traveler's guide|Bill Gleasner
Any oceanographic or bathymetric information obtainable at the time of sighting may be significant.
Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the Western North Atlantic|Stephen Leatherwood

There's an oceanographic ship due in Manila shortly, by the way.
Creatures of the Abyss|Murray Leinster

British Dictionary definitions for oceanography

oceanography

/ (ˌəʊʃəˈnɒɡrəfɪ, ˌəʊʃɪə-) /

noun

the branch of science dealing with the physical, chemical, geological, and biological features of the oceans and ocean basins

Derived forms of oceanography

oceanographer, nounoceanographic (ˌəʊʃənəˈɡræfɪk, ˌəʊʃɪə-) or oceanographical, adjectiveoceanographically, adverb

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

Scientific definitions for oceanography

oceanography

[ ō′shə-nŏg′rə-fē ]

The scientific study of oceans, the life that inhabits them, and their physical characteristics, including the depth and extent of ocean waters, their movement and chemical makeup, and the topography and composition of the ocean floors. Oceanography also includes ocean exploration. Also called oceanology