taphonomy

[ tuh-fon-uh-mee ]

noun

, Paleontology, Anthropology.

1. the circumstances and processes of fossilization.
2. the study of the environmental conditions affecting the preservation of animal or plant remains.

taphonomy

/ ˌtæfəˈnɒmɪk; təˈfɒnəmɪ /

noun

1. the study of the processes affecting an organism after death that result in its fossilization

Derived Forms

• taphonomic, adjective

Other Words From

• taph·o·nom·ic [taf-, uh, -, nom, -ik], adjective
• ta·phono·mist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of taphonomy¹

1965–70; < Greek táph ( ē ) grave + -o- + -nomy

Word History and Origins

Origin of taphonomy¹

C20: from Greek taphos grave + -nomy