Search Dictionary
Definition of paleontology

paleontology

/ˌpeɪ.li.ɒnˈtɒl.ə.dʒi/
(UK: palaeontology)
pa · le · on · tol · o · gy
Adverb:paleontologically
•
Adjective:paleontological
JUMP TO:

paleontology Lexical Profile

paleontology Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

American The branch of science concerned with the study of prehistoric life and ancient organisms through the examination of fossils.

Example

"Her childhood fascination with dinosaur skeletons eventually led her to pursue a graduate degree in paleontology."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for paleontology

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with archaeology; paleontology is the study of prehistoric non-human life through fossils, whereas archaeology focuses on ancient human history and material culture.

• Rhymes for paleontology

• Nearby Words

paleoclimatic
paleogeographer
paleontologist
paleontology
palermo
palestine
palestinian

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in French as 'paléontologie' in 1822 by geologist Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville, combining the Ancient Greek roots 'palaios' (ancient), 'ōn/ont-' (being, creature), and '-logia' (study of).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Paleontology. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/paleontology
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.