ScienceAugust 17, 2026

herpetological

hur-puh-tuh-LOJ-i-kul

Definition

Relating to the branch of zoology concerned with the study of reptiles and amphibians.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'herpeton,' meaning 'reptile' or 'creeping thing,' combined with the suffix '-logical' related to the study or science of a subject.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the professional field of scientists who study the rare earless monitor lizard. It highlights how the study of this specific reptile remains a significant challenge within this scientific discipline.

The “mini-dragon” that survived extinction: why scientists are obsessed

Read the full article ↗

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