biologist

UK: baɪˈɒlədʒɪst | US: baɪˈɑːlədʒɪst

Definition

  1. n. a scientist who studies living organisms and their relationships to the environment

Structure
bio <life, from Greek bios>log <study, from Greek logos>ist <noun suffix, denoting a person>
Etymology

The word "biologist" combines three morphemes:

  1. "Bio" derives from Greek "bios," meaning "life."
  2. "Log" comes from Greek "logos," originally meaning "word" or "reason," but later extended to "study" or "science."
  3. The suffix "-ist" indicates a person who specializes in a field.
    The term emerged in the early 19th century, reflecting the scientific study of life forms as a formal discipline. The progression from "bios" (life) to "biology" (study of life) and finally "biologist" (one who studies life) illustrates the logical expansion of Greek roots into modern scientific terminology.
Examples

  1. The biologist observed the behavior of ants in their natural habitat.

  2. She became a biologist to research marine ecosystems.

  3. Famous biologists like Charles Darwin revolutionized our understanding of evolution.

  4. The biologist published a paper on genetic mutations in bacteria.

  5. To protect endangered species, biologists collaborate with conservationists.