noun
gerontology
jer-on-TOL-uh-jee
Gerontology (noun) means the scientific study of growing old and the process of ageing itself. Example: “She's studying gerontology at university, focusing on how the body changes with age.”
noun
1
science The scientific study of growing old and the process of ageing itself.
"She's studying gerontology at university, focusing on how the body changes with age."
"Gerontology looks at the social, psychological and biological sides of growing old."
"Researchers in gerontology are trying to understand why some people age more slowly than others."
How to use gerontology
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIt's the study of what happens as people get older.
When to use it
Gerontology is a formal, academic term used mainly in science and medicine.
Memory tip
Keep gerontology (the study of ageing) separate from geriatrics (the medical care of older people).
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
geriatrics
Common pairings
study gerontology
gerontology research
field of gerontology
gerontology degree
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She's studying _____ at university, focusing on how the body changes with age.
Etymology
Gerontology is built from the combining form geronto-, relating to old age, joined with -logy, meaning the study of something.
Rhymes for gerontology
See all rhymes for gerontology →Frequently asked questions
What is gerontology?
It's the scientific study of ageing and of the problems faced by older people.
What's the difference between gerontology and geriatrics?
Gerontology is the broader study of ageing itself, covering social, psychological and biological aspects, while geriatrics focuses specifically on diseases and medical care of older people.
What do gerontologists study?
They study how and why people age, looking at the biological, psychological and social changes that come with growing older.
What is the meaning of gerontology?
"gerontology" (noun) means the scientific study of growing old and the process of ageing itself.
