speleology

American  

[spee-lee-ol-uh-jee] / ˌspi liˈɒl ə dʒi /

Or spelaeology

noun

1. the exploration and study of caves.

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speleology British  

/ 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

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speleology Scientific  

/ spē′lē-ŏl′ə-jē /

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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• speleologist
  noun
• speleological
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of speleology

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

Example Sentences

Ten Years Under the Earth makes it clear that speleology is no job for a claustrophobe.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the process, the Palmers and their colleagues are transforming speleology -- the study of caves -- from an oddball hobby into an extraordinarily fruitful field of scientific investigation.

From Time Magazine Archive