archaeologist

UK: ˌɑːkiˈɒlədʒɪst | US: ˌɑːrkiˈɑːlədʒɪst

Definition

  1. n. a person who studies human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains.

Structure
archaeo <ancient>logy <study>ist <person who practices>
Etymology

The word "archaeologist" combines three morphemes:

  1. "archaeo" derives from Greek "arkhaios" (ancient), referring to the study of ancient times.
  2. "logy" comes from Greek "logia" (study or science), indicating a field of knowledge.
  3. "ist" is an agentive suffix from Latin "-ista" (via Greek "-istes"), denoting a practitioner.
    The term emerged in the early 19th century, reflecting the formalization of archaeology as a scientific discipline focused on uncovering and interpreting ancient civilizations.
Examples

  1. The archaeologist discovered a 3,000-year-old pottery shard at the dig site.

  2. As an archaeologist, she specializes in Mayan ruins.

  3. The team of archaeologists published their findings in a renowned journal.

  4. He aspired to become an archaeologist after visiting the Egyptian pyramids.

  5. Modern archaeologists often use technology like LiDAR to map hidden structures.