taphonomy

 
Pronunciation: /taˈfɒnəmi/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the branch of palaeontology that deals with the processes of fossilization.

Derivatives

taphonomic

Pronunciation: /-fəˈnɒmɪk/
adjective

taphonomist

noun

Origin:

1940s: from Greek taphos 'grave' + -nomy