oceanography

American  

[oh-shuh-nog-ruh-fee, oh-shee-uh-] / ˌoʊ ʃəˈnɒg rə fi, ˌoʊ ʃi ə- /

noun

1. the branch of physical geography dealing with the ocean.

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oceanography British  

/ ˌəʊʃənəˈɡræfɪk, ˌəʊʃɪə-, ˌəʊʃəˈnɒɡrəfɪ, ˌəʊʃɪə- /

noun

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

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oceanography Scientific  

/ ō′shə-nŏg′rə-fē /

1. 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.

2. Also called oceanology

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Other Word Forms

• oceanographer noun
• oceanographic adjective
• oceanographical adjective
• oceanographically adverb

Etymology

Origin of oceanography

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

Example Sentences

Fields such as meteorology, oceanography, and climate modeling face similar challenges and could benefit from tools that accelerate complex, multi-scale simulations.

From Science Daily

An oceanography professor told ABC it may only have been in the water for a few weeks before it landed at Wharton Beach, where it may have remained buried for 100 years.

From BBC

The data gathered in the program applies to ecology, weather, oceanography, soil science, biology and satellite calibration/validation research.

From Los Angeles Times

This is "a very clear signature and footprint of a classic Amoc slowdown" says Matthew England, professor of oceanography at the University of South Wales.

From BBC

The study also offers another probable mechanism that may have facilitated this recent expansion of Atlantic cownose rays to Bermuda -- oceanography.

From Science Daily