palynology

American  

[pal-uh-nol-uh-jee] / ˌpæl əˈnɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the study of live and fossil spores, pollen grains, and similar plant structures.

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palynology British  

/ ˌpælɪˈnɒlədʒɪ, ˌpælɪnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the study of living and fossil pollen grains and plant spores

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palynology Scientific  

/ păl′ə-nŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of spores and pollen, both living and fossilized. Palynology helps improve knowledge of ecosystems in both the recent and distant past, since pollen and spores are extremely durable, unlike many other plant parts.

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Other Word Forms

• palynologist
  noun
• palynological
  adjective
• palynologically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of palynology

1940–45; < Greek palýn ( ein ) to sprinkle, scatter (akin to pálē dust, Latin pollen; see pollen) + -o- + -logy

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

palynology

Unkelbauer, who studied palynology -- the study of microscopic biological material found in sediment such as pollen and spores -- illustrates a growing labour market mismatch in Germany.

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

Estella Leopold specialized in the study of pollen, known as palynology, especially in the fossilized form.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 2, 2024

There is a whole branch of palaeontology devoted to fossil pollen - palynology.

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2012