-ology, -logy, -ologist, -logist
The word -ology is a back-formation from the names of certain disciplines. The -logy element basically means "the study of ____". Such words are formed from Greek or Latin roots with the terminal -logy derived from the Greek suffix -λογια (-logia), speaking, from λεγειν (legein), "to speak".
The suffix -ology is considered to be misleading sometimes as when the "o" is actually part of the word stem that receives the -logy ending; such as, bio + logy.
Through the years -ology and -logy have come to mean, "study of" or "science of" and either of these suffixes often utilize the form of -ologist, "one who (whatever the preceding element refers to)".
The examples shown in this unit represent just a small fraction of the many words that exist in various dictionaries.
xylology
The science of woods and forests.
zooarchaeology, zooarcheology
(s) (noun), zooarchaeologies; zooarcheologies
(pl)
The study of animal remains from archaeological sites:
Zooarchaeology includes the identification and analysis of animal species as an aid to reconstructing human diets, determining the impact of animals on past economies, and in understanding the environment at the time.
Zooarchaeologists attempt to answer questions such as how many species of domesticated animals there were, how far wild animals were exploited, how many very young animals there were to determine kill patterns and climate changes, in what way bones were butchered, what the sex ratios there were in determining breeding strategies, and if there were any animals of unusual size.
zoobiology
(s) (noun) (no pl)
A scientific study of animals and all the aspects of animal life:
Zoobiology is a branch of biology that deals with the life of all fauna.
zooecology
(s) (noun) (no pl)
The study of the relationships between animals and their environments; animal ecology: Zooecology is the branch of ecology concerned with the interdependence of animals to their surroundings and to other animals.
zoological anthropology
(s) (noun), zoological anthropologies
(pl)
The study of humans with particular references to mankind's place in the animal kingdom and with special emphasis on comparisons with other primates.
zoologist
(s) (noun), zoologists
(pl)
A scientist specializing in the discipline of zoology; an expert in zoology: Mary's uncle wanted to become a zoologist so he had to study zoology in order to focus on this field of science and do research in this area.
zoology
(s) (noun), zoologies
(pl)
1. The branch of biology that deals with the study of animals and animal life:
Zoology has many aspects including the study of the structure, embryology, development, distribution and habits, physiology, and classification of living animals as well as those that are extinct.
2. The animals living in a particular area or period: The
zoology of Alaska can be very interesting and exciting.
3. A characteristic concerning a particular animal or group of animals; zoobiology: The
zoology of mammals was the topic Hana had to write about in her term paper at school.
Go to this zoology page for more information.
zoonosologist
(s) (noun), zoonosologists
(pl)
A specialist in the diseases of animals: Jim's father was a zoonosologist who classified the disorders and illnesses of animals.
zoonosology
(s) (noun) (no pl)
The study and classification of the various diseases of animals: Since Toby was very interested in animals, he decided to study zoonosology in order to learn more about animal ailments and disorders which would help him in becoming a successful veterinarian.
zoopalaeontology
(s) (noun) (no pl)
Animal life of the geological past: Jane was fascinated by prehistoric animals and looked for zoopalaeontology on the internet to learn more about the intriguing world of extinct faunae.
zoopathology, zoopathy
(s) (noun) (no pl)
The study of the diseases of animals; animal pathology: Zoopathology is a branch of medical science that deals with the causes, nature, and effects of animal diseases, especially those of the lower animals.
zoopharmacology
(s) (noun) (no pl)
The use of drugs in the treatment of animals; veterinary pharmacology: The area of zoopharmacology involves the observation of the effects of plant usage of animals and to find out any medical value of these observations.
zoophysiology
(s) (noun) (no pl)
The vital physical processes and functions of animals: Zoophysiology deals with the biological performance of living organisms characterized by voluntary movement, but not those of the humans.
zoophytology
(s) (noun) (no pl)
The branch of zoology concerned with the animals thought to have the aspects or characteristics of plants: Susan decided that she wanted to specialize in zoophytology and be an expert in the research of crinoids, along with corals, sponges, and sea anemones.
zooplanktology
(s) (noun), zooplanktologies
(pl)
The biological study of tiny creatures that exist in oceans: Since Peter was so interested in small lifeforms of the sea, he decided to study zooplanktology and work later as a scientist.
