noun
entomology
en-tuh-MAH-luh-jee/ˌentəˈmɑːlədʒi/
The scientific study of insects.
The beetle examination illustrates the careful observation central to entomology.
Etymology
The Greek elements for 'in' and 'cut' described insects as notched or divided at the waist, referring to their segmented bodies. With the study suffix, the word names the science devoted to those animals.
In context
Because medieval entomology was deeply flawed. They observed bees and not understanding the reproductive cycle of the queen and drones concluded that bees reproduced asexually.
More examples
- The museum maintained an entomology collection.
- He took an introductory course in entomology.
- The laboratory supported research in medical entomology.
Forms
entomology
entomologist noun — a scientist who studies insects
Similar words
- zoology
- Zoology studies animals broadly; entomology focuses on insects.
- etymology
- Etymology studies word histories, not insects.