speleology
2 synonyms for speleology, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The scientific study of caves.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
caving
potholing
How to use speleology
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
study speleology
speleology club
speleology expedition
speleology society
It is a formal, somewhat technical word, and caving is the everyday term.
Etymology
The word comes from the French spéléologie, which Émile Rivière coined in 1890. It combines speleo- with the ending -logy.
Full origin of speleology →Frequently asked questions
What does speleology mean?
Speleology is the scientific study of caves. It also refers to the activity of exploring them.
What is the difference between speleology and caving?
Speleology can mean the scientific study of caves, while caving usually means exploring them for recreation. The word speleology can also cover the recreational activity.
How do you pronounce speleology?
It is commonly pronounced spee-lee-AH-luh-jee, with the stress on the third syllable.
