ScienceAugust 15, 2026

palaeontological

PAY-lee-on-tuh-LOJ-i-kuhl

Definition

Relating to the branch of science concerned with fossil animals and plants.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'palaios' (ancient), 'ont' (being/existence), and 'logos' (study). It entered English in the 19th century to describe the scientific investigation of prehistoric life.

In the news

The article uses this term to describe processes and specimens associated with the scientific study of fossils, contrasting legitimate museum work with the discovery of historical forgeries.

How To Fake A Fossil: We Asked Palaeontologists How They'd Do It, And Yes, They Told Us

Read the full article ↗

IFLScience

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