speleology

or spe·lae·ol·o·gy

[ spee-lee-ol-uh-jee ]

/ ˌspi liˈɒl ə dʒi /

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noun

the exploration and study of caves.

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Origin of speleology

1890–95; <Latin spēlae(um) (see spelaean) + -o- + -logy

OTHER WORDS FROM speleology

spe·le·o·log·i·cal

[spee-lee-uh-loj-i-kuhl], /ˌspi li əˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl/, adjectivespe·le·ol·o·gist, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

British Dictionary definitions for speleology

speleology

spelaeology

/ (ˌspiːlɪˈɒlədʒɪ) /

noun

the scientific study of caves, esp in respect of their geological formation, flora and fauna, etc

the sport or pastime of exploring caves

Derived forms of speleology

speleological or spelaeological (ˌspiːlɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl), adjectivespeleologist or spelaeologist, noun

Word Origin for speleology

C19: from Latin spēlaeum cave

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 speleology

speleology

[ spē′lē-ŏl′ə-jē ]

The exploration and scientific study of the geological and ecological features of caves.