archaeology
|ar-chae-ol-o-gy|
🇺🇸
/ˌɑrkiˈɑlədʒi/
🇬🇧
/ˌɑːkiˈɒlədʒi/
study of ancient human remains and cultures
Etymology
'archaeology' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'arkhaiologia' (ἀρχαιολογία), where 'arkhaios' meant 'ancient' and 'logia' (from 'logos') meant 'study' or 'discourse'.
'archaeology' passed into Medieval and New Latin as 'archaeologia' and entered English in the 17th century (often spelled 'archæology' in older texts), eventually becoming the modern English 'archaeology'.
Initially it referred specifically to the study or discourse about ancient things ('study of antiquities'); over time it broadened into the systematic scientific discipline and methods for investigating past human societies that it denotes today.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the scientific study of past human life and cultures by excavation and analysis of artifacts, architecture, and other physical remains.
She decided to study archaeology because she was fascinated by ancient civilizations.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the body of physical remains (such as artifacts, structures, and fossils) that are the subject of archaeological study.
The museum's new exhibit displays recent archaeology from the ancient city.
Synonyms
Noun 3
the practice or methods of investigating and interpreting the past (e.g., fieldwork, excavation techniques, dating methods).
Advances in technology have transformed modern archaeology.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/04 05:20