Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

paleontology

/ˌpeɪli.ənˈtɑləd͡ʒi/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.79 in modern English

Syllables
pa-le-on-tol-o-gy
IPA
/ˌpeɪli.ənˈtɑləd͡ʒi/
18
Scrabble Score
12
Letters
6
Syllables
9
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The study of the forms of life existing in prehistoric or geologic times, especially as represented by fossils.

American usage; Uncountable

Etymology

Attested since 1836 (as palæontology). From French paléontologie (attested since 1822). By surface analysis, paleo- (“ancient”) + onto- (“being”) + -logy (“study”).

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: paléontologie

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /ˌpeɪli.ənˈtɑləd͡ʒi/
  • British English: /ˌpeɪli.ənˈtɒləd͡ʒi/

Usage

Inflected Forms

palaeontology (alternative, Commonwealth) palæontology (alternative, dated)

Derived Forms

actuopaleontology micropaleontology paleontologic paleontological paleontologist paleontologize phytopaleontology xenopaleontology zoopaleontology

Synonyms

palaeontology fossilology

Rhymes With

technology psychology biology ideology theology methodology sociology geology ecology terminology anthropology physiology

Questions

How do you pronounce paleontology?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˌpeɪli.ənˈtɑləd͡ʒi/.
What does paleontology mean?
The study of the forms of life existing in prehistoric or geologic times, especially as represented by fossils.
Where does paleontology come from?
It is traced to French.

How to pronounce paleontology

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