archaeology

Or ar·che·ol·o·gy

[ahr-kee-ol-uh-jee]

noun

1. the scientific study of historic or prehistoric peoples and their cultures by analysis of their artifacts, inscriptions, monuments, and other such remains, especially those that have been excavated.

2. Rare.,  ancient history; the study of antiquity.

archaeology

/ ˌɑːkɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ˌɑːkɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study of man's past by scientific analysis of the material remains of his cultures See also prehistory protohistory

archaeology

1. The scientific study of past human life and culture by the examination of physical remains, such as graves, tools, and pottery.

archaeology

1. The recovery and study of material objects, such as graves, buildings, tools, artworks, and human remains, to investigate the structure and behavior of past cultures. Archaeologists rely on physical remains as clues to the emergence and development of human societies and civilizations. Anthropologists, by contrast, to interact with living people to study their cultures.

Other Word Forms

• archaeologically adverb
• archaeological adjective
• archaeologist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of archaeology¹

First recorded in 1600–10, archaeology is from the Greek word archaiología the discussion of antiquities. See archaeo-, -logy

Word History and Origins

Origin of archaeology¹

C17: from Late Latin archaeologia, from Greek arkhaiologia study of what is ancient, from arkhaios ancient (from arkhē beginning)

Example Sentences

Dr Jonathan Berry, Cadw's senior inspector of ancient monuments and archaeology, said sometimes there were innocent explanations, like hobbyists not understanding the rules.

From BBC

Another claim by the state department of archaeology that has ruffled feathers is that the graffiti found on artefacts in Keeladi is similar to that found in the Indus Valley sites.

From BBC

The UCU claimed the university had put more than 450 jobs at risk, including academics in archaeology and forensic science, biomedical sciences, psychology and public health.

From BBC

It remains in a makeshift shelter – not far from a new museum of local archaeology.

From BBC

Their discovery – alongside bone fragments identified by an inscribed urn as belonging to the Buddha himself – reverberated through the world of archaeology.

From BBC

Related Words

• excavation 
• paleontology