paleontology

[pey-lee-uhn-tol-uh-jee, pal-ee-]

noun

plural

paleontologies 

1. the science of the forms of life existing in former geologic periods, as represented by their fossils.

2. a treatise on paleontology.

paleontology

1. The scientific study of life in the geologic past, especially through the study of animal and plant fossils.

paleontology

1. The study of ancient life forms, particularly as they are seen in fossils.

Other Word Forms

• paleontologic adjective
• paleontological adjective
• paleontologically adverb
• paleontologist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of paleontology¹

From the French word paléontologie, dating back to 1830–40; paleo-, ontology

Example Sentences

A remarkably complete tyrannosaur skeleton has brought new clarity to one of paleontology's longest debates: whether Nanotyrannus was its own species or merely a young Tyrannosaurus rex.

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Conducting advanced molecular research in Africa on African fossils represents an important move toward transforming and decolonizing the field of paleontology.

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This discovery, which relied on close collaboration between experts in evolution, paleontology, and molecular biology, also highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary innovation.

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“It’s frustrating when you work in paleontology and you feel like it’s not effective science communication, and I wish I’d done a bit better.”

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This summer, Austin Hendy, an assistant curator at the Natural History Museum who specializes in invertebrate paleontology, spent hours sifting and sorting through thousands of fossilized shells found in the shell bed.

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Related Words

• excavation