paleontologist

UK: ˌpeɪliɒnˈtɒlədʒɪst | US: ˌpeɪliənˈtɑːlədʒɪst

Definition

  1. n. a scientist who studies fossils and ancient life forms

Structure
paleo <ancient>onto <being>logist <one who studies>
Etymology

The word "paleontologist" combines three Greek-derived morphemes:

  1. "Paleo-" (from Greek "palaios") means "ancient."
  2. "-onto-" (from Greek "ontos") refers to "being" or "existence."
  3. "-logist" (from Greek "-logos") denotes "one who studies."
    Originally, "paleontology" emerged in the early 19th century to describe the scientific study of prehistoric life through fossils. The suffix "-ist" was later added to designate a practitioner of this field. The term reflects a logical progression: ancient (paleo) + existence (onto) + study (logy) + specialist (ist).
Examples

  1. The paleontologist carefully brushed dirt off the dinosaur fossil.

  2. Dr. Lee, a renowned paleontologist, discovered a new species of trilobite.

  3. Paleontologists use carbon dating to determine the age of fossils.

  4. Her dream was to become a paleontologist and uncover secrets of the Jurassic era.

  5. The museum hired a paleontologist to analyze its collection of ammonite specimens.