palaeontology

 
Pronunciation: /ˌpalɪɒnˈtɒlədʒi, ˌpeɪ-/
(US paleontology)

noun

[mass noun]
  • the branch of science concerned with fossil animals and plants.

Derivatives

palaeontological

Pronunciation: /-təˈlɒdʒɪkəl/
adjective

palaeontologist

noun

Origin:

mid 19th century: from palaeo- + Greek onta 'beings' (neuter plural of ōn, present participle of einai 'be') + -logy