-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.
phytosociologist
Someone who specializes in that aspect of ecology dealing with the origin, composition, structure, and classification of plant communities.
phytosociology
The branch of ecology that deals with the characteristics, classification, relationships, and distribution of plant communities.
piscatology
The art or science of fishing.
planetologist
1. Someone who studies the planets including their origins and compositions.
2. An expert or specialist in planetology.
planetology
A branch of astronomy dealing with planets and satellites, including their surface features, structures, chemical compositions, and atmospheres.
planktology, planktonology
(s) (noun) (no pl)
The branch of biology that deals with plankton: Jill was very interested in the minute flora and fauna of the seas, especially of the sustenance of planktivorous fish and whales, and decided to study planktology ot a famous university.
plebicolar (adjective)
A person who courts the favor of the common people.
plebiocologist
Someone who who flatters the common people in order to get them to follow his or her viewpoints and to get the people to take action in accordance with what is being promoted.
plebiocology (s), plebiocologies (pl) (noun forms)
1. The study of ordinary people and their common behaviors, desires, political leanings, etc.
2. Learning about the trends of the general public for food preferences, clothing styles, TV interests, social networking, and other interests.
plutologist
(s) (noun), plutologists
(pl)
Someone who is a specialist in the study of the wealthy and their powerful influences: "For her advanced umiversity degree, Karin intends to interview several plutocrats so she can become a qualified plutologist."
