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Definition of paleontology - 4 dictionary results

pa⋅le⋅on⋅tol⋅o⋅gy

  [pey-lee-uhn-tol-uh-jee or, especially Brit., pal-ee-]
Use paleontology in a Sentence
–noun, plural -gies for 2.
1. the science of the forms of life existing in former geologic periods, as represented by their fossils.
2. a treatise on paleontology.
Origin:
1830–40; < F paléontologie. See pale- ontology

Related forms:
pa⋅le⋅on⋅to⋅log⋅ic  [pey-lee-on-tl-oj-ik or, especially Brit., pal-ee-] , pa⋅le⋅on⋅to⋅log⋅i⋅cal, adjective
pa⋅le⋅on⋅to⋅log⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
pa⋅le⋅on⋅tol⋅o⋅gist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pa·le·on·tol·o·gy   (pā'lē-ŏn-tŏl'ə-jē)   
n.  The study of the forms of life existing in prehistoric or geologic times, as represented by the fossils of plants, animals, and other organisms.
pa'le·on'to·log'ic (-ŏn'tə-lŏj'ĭk), pa'le·on'to·log'i·cal (-ĭ-kəl) adj., pa'le·on·tol'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

paleontology [(pay-lee-uhn-tol-uh-jee)]

The study of ancient life forms, particularly as they are seen in fossils.

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

paleontology 
1838 (Lyell), probably from Fr. paléontologie, from Gk. palaios "old, ancient" (see paleo-) + on (gen. ontos) "being" + -ology "study of." Paleontologist formed in Eng. 1871.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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