paleontology

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the scientific study of prehistoric life through fossils and other remains preserved in rocks

   Paleontology uses fossils to reconstruct the organisms and environments of the geological past.

Borrowed in the nineteenth century from French paleontologie, formed from Greek palaios, 'ancient,' on (genitive ontos), 'being,' and -logia, 'study.' The spelling palaeontology preserves the traditional British palaeo- form, while American English usually uses paleo-.

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