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geology

 - 5 dictionary results

ge⋅ol⋅o⋅gy

[jee-ol-uh-jee]
–noun, plural -gies.
1. the science that deals with the dynamics and physical history of the earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the physical, chemical, and biological changes that the earth has undergone or is undergoing.
2. the study of this science.
3. the geologic features and processes occurring in a given region on the earth or on a celestial body: the geology of Mars; the geology of eastern Kentucky.

Origin:
1680–90; geo- + -logy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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ge·ol·o·gy   (jē-ŏl'ə-jē)   
n.   pl. ge·ol·o·gies
  1. The scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of the earth.

  2. The structure of a specific region of the earth's crust.

  3. A book on geology.

  4. The scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of the solid matter of a celestial body.


[Medieval Latin geōlogia, study of earthly things : Greek geō-, geo- + Greek -logiā, -logy.]
ge'o·log'ic (jē'ə-lŏj'ĭk), ge'o·log'i·cal adj., ge'o·log'i·cal·ly adv., ge·ol'o·gist n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

geology

The science devoted to the study of the Earth, particularly the solid Earth and the rocks that compose it.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

geology 
1735, Mod.L. geologia "the study of the earth," from ge "earth" + logia, from logos "speech, word, discourse." In M.L., geologia (14c.) meant "study of earthly things," i.e. law, as distinguished from arts and sciences, which concern the works of God.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Science Dictionary
geology   (jē-ŏl'ə-jē)  Pronunciation Key 
  1. The scientific study of the origin of the Earth along with its rocks, minerals, land forms, and life forms, and of the processes that have affected them over the course of the Earth's history.

  2. The structure of a specific region of the Earth, including its rocks, soils, mountains, fossils, and other features.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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