speleology

or spe·lae·ol·o·gy

[ spee-lee-ol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the exploration and study of caves.

speleology

/ ˌspiːlɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl; ˌspiːlɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the scientific study of caves, esp in respect of their geological formation, flora and fauna, etc
2. the sport or pastime of exploring caves

speleology

/ spē′lē-ŏl′ə-jē /

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

Derived Forms

• ˌspeleˈologist, noun
• speleological, adjective

Other Words From

• spe·le·o·log·i·cal [spee-lee-, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• spele·olo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of speleology¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of speleology¹

C19: from Latin spēlaeum cave