'palaeontology' originates from Modern Latin/Greek-derived formation, specifically from Greek 'palaios' meaning 'old' and 'ont-' (from 'on,ontos') meaning 'being', together with '-logy' from Greek 'logia' meaning 'study'.

'palaeontology' entered English in the 19th century via New Latin 'palaeontologia' (also spelled 'palaeontology'), formed from Greek elements; it was used in scientific contexts and became the standard English term for the study of ancient life.

Initially it meant 'the study of ancient beings' (literally), and over time it came to mean the modern scientific discipline focused on fossils and prehistoric life.