ScienceAugust 4, 2026
herpetologist
hur-puh-TOL-uh-jist
Definition
A zoologist who specializes in the study of reptiles and amphibians.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek word 'herpeton', meaning 'creeping thing' or 'reptile', combined with the suffix '-logist', indicating a person who studies a specific field.
In the news
The author, Mike Wall, mentions his background as a herpetologist to establish his scientific credentials before transitioning into a career as a science journalist covering spaceflight.
Watch SpaceX launch 3 giant BlueBird direct-to-cell satellites early on Aug. 5
Read the full article ↗Space