-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.
criminal anthropology
(s) (noun) (usually no plural)
The application of the study of humanity regarding the possible identifications of the physical and psychological characteristics and reasons for illegal activities: The federal agents were focused on using criminal anthropology in order to find out why some cities have so many criminal acts in certain districts or neighborhoods.
cryobiologist
(s) (noun), cryobiologists
(pl)
A specialist in the effects of low temperatures on biological systems: Tom wanted to become a cryobiologist after his studies in biology and learn more about the consequences of low temperatures on different forms of life.
cryobiology
(s) (noun) (no pl)
The study of the effects of low temperatures on living organisms or biological systems:
Cryobiology deals especially with warm-blooded animals.
Cryobiology is the science of life and its constituents below the normal living temperature, including very low temperatures (below -80 degrees Centigrade).
cryolithology
In hydrology, the study of the nature, structure, and development of underground ice, especially in permafrost regions.
cryology
1. In hydrology, the scientific study of snow and ice.
2. In mechanical engineering, studying and researching refrigeration at low temperatures ranging down to absolute zero.
cryomorphology
In geology, a branch of geomorphology that involves the study of the processes and features of cold climates.
cryopedology
A branch of geology that involves the study of frost action and the occurrence of frozen ground.
cryptography
(s) (noun), cryptographies
(pl)
1. The science or study of hidden writing; especially, unknown codes and ciphers: The objective of
cryptography is to prevent information from falling into the hands of those who would use it against us.
2. The procedures and methods of making and using secret languages: If a new word for
cryptography were to be invented today, it would probably be "secret communications."
A spy is deciphering a coded message.
cryptologists
A secrecy of cryptologists.
cryptozoology
(s) (noun) (no pl)
The study of animals whose existence has yet to be proven: Cryptozoology includes the investigation or research of legendary creatures like the Loch Ness (Nessie), the Yeti, jackalope (half jackrabbit, half antelope), Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Ogopogo, etc.
cultural anthropology
(s) (noun), cultural anthropologies
(pl)
The scientific study of arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievements regarded collectively or the understanding of specific societies; including social structure, language, religion, art, and technology.
