noun
palaeontology
pay-lee-on-TOL-uh-jee
Palaeontology (noun) means the study of life from prehistoric or geological times, especially through fossils. Example: “She studied palaeontology at university because she loved fossils.”
noun
1
The study of life from prehistoric or geological times, especially through fossils.
"She studied palaeontology at university because she loved fossils."
"The museum's palaeontology department is preparing a new dinosaur skeleton for display."
"Advances in palaeontology have changed how we picture ancient animals."
How to use palaeontology
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe science of ancient life, mostly learned from fossils.
When to use it
It is a scientific term, used in both academic and everyday writing.
Memory tip
Say it as pay-lee-on-TOL-uh-jee, with the stress on the fourth syllable.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
study palaeontology
vertebrate palaeontology
palaeontology department
field of palaeontology
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like palaeontology.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She studied _____ at university because she loved fossils.
Etymology
The word came into English in the 1830s from French paléontologie. It is built from Greek-derived parts meaning ancient, being and study.
Rhymes for palaeontology
See all rhymes for palaeontology →Frequently asked questions
What does palaeontology mean?
Palaeontology is the study of ancient life, especially as shown by fossils. It looks at forms of life from prehistoric or geological times.
Is palaeontology or paleontology the correct spelling?
Palaeontology is the standard spelling here, while paleontology is the American one.
What is the difference between palaeontology and archaeology?
Palaeontology studies ancient life, mainly through fossils. Archaeology studies past human activity through objects and remains.
What is the meaning of palaeontology?
"palaeontology" (noun) means the study of life from prehistoric or geological times, especially through fossils.
