archaeological

UK: ˌɑːkiəˈlɒdʒɪkəl | US: ˌɑːrkiəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl

Definition

  1. adj. relating to archaeology or the study of ancient cultures and artifacts

Structure
archaeo <ancient>log <study>ical <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "archaeological" combines three morphemes:

  1. "archaeo" derives from Greek "arkhaios" (ancient), referring to things of great age.
  2. "log" comes from Greek "logos" (study or discourse), commonly used in scientific terms.
  3. "ical" is an English adjectival suffix indicating relation or pertaining to.
    The term evolved in the 19th century as archaeology became a formal discipline, blending Greek roots to describe the systematic study of ancient human activity.
Examples

  1. The team made an archaeological discovery that rewrote local history.

  2. Carbon dating is essential for archaeological research.

  3. This museum displays archaeological finds from the Bronze Age.

  4. Her thesis focuses on archaeological methods in urban settings.

  5. Protecting archaeological sites from looting remains a global challenge.