The –Ology Page

The following list of words ending in –ology was compiled to assist students studying for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Reviewing root words is an ideal way to prepare for assessments of verbal ability or verbal aptitude. Most of the words were drawn from a book entitled -Ologies and -Isms: A Thematic Dictionary, edited by Howard G. Zettler, under the direction of Laurence Urdang and published in 1978 by Gale Research Co. An asterisk indicates those items suggested by individuals. I welcome any new additions. Please send suggestions to kenniso@okstate.edu.

Abiology is the study of inanimate things.

Acology is the study of therapeutic remedies.

Aerogeology is the study of geological features using aerial observation and photography.

Aerolithology is the study of meteors.

Aerology is the study of the planet Mars.

Agathology is the study of the good.

Agmatology is the study of fractures.

Agnoiology is the study of human ignorance.

Agriology is the study of the customs of uncivilized people.

Agrobiology is the study of relations of soil management to the nutrition and growth of plants.

Agrology is the study of crop production.

Agrostology is the study of grasses.

Alethiology is the study of truth and error.

Algology is the study of algae.

Alimentology is the study of nutrition.

Anemology is the study of the winds.

Anesthesiology is the study of anesthesia and anesthetics.

Angelology is the study of angels.

Angiology is the study of blood vessels and lymphatics.

Angiopathology is the study of diseased blood vessels.

Anthoecology is the study of the relationship of flowers and their environment.

Anthroposociology is the study of the human races.

Apiology is the study of honeybees.

*Archaeoastronomy is the study of astronomical knowledge in a culture as revealed through the archaeological

record, written records, and ethnography (*suggested by suggested by Donald F. Van Dyke)

Archaeology is the study of human remains and artifacts.

Archeogeology is the study of the formations of the remote past.

Archology is the study of origins.

Areology is the study of the planet Mars.

Argyrothecology is the study moneyboxes.

Aristology is the study of dining.

Arthropathology is the study of functional and structural changes made by diseases of the joints.

Astrogeology is the study of celestial bodies.

Astrolithology is the study of meteorites.

Astrology is the study of the influence of the stars and planets upon human existence.

*Astronomy is the study of matter and energy in the cosmos. (*suggested by Donald F. Van Dyke)

Audiology it the study of hearing, especially impaired hearing.

Autecology is the study of an individual organism in relation to environment.

Autonumerology is the study of unusual and distinctive license plate numbers.

Auxology is the study of growth, especially microorganisms.

Axiology is the study of values, as those of ethics, aesthetics, or religion.

Azoology is the study of inanimate nature.

Bacteriology is the study of bacteria.

Balneology is the study of therapeutic uses of various types of bathing.

Barology is the study of weight and its relationship to gravity.

Bascology is the study of the Basque language and culture.

Batology is the study of brambles.

Bibliology is the study of the doctrines of the Bible.

Bioclimatology is the study of relationships between living creatures and atmospheric conditions.

Bioecology is the study of the interrelation of plants and animals in their common environment.

Biophysiology is the study of the growth, morphology, and physiology of organs.

Brachylogy is the study of conciseness in speech or writing.

Bromatology is the study of food.

Brontology is the study of thunder.

Bryology is the study of mosses and liverworts.

Campanology is the study of bell ringing.

Cardiology is the study of the heart and its functions.

Carpology is the study of the structure of fruits and seeds.

Cecidiology is the study of galls produced on trees and plants by fungi, insects, or mites.

Cerebrology is the study of the brain.

Characterology is the study of character.

Chirology is the study of hands.

Chondrology is the study of cartilages.

Chorology is the study of organisms, especially their migrations and distribution.

Christology is the study of the personality, attitudes, and the life of Christ.

Chronology is the study of arranging time in fixed periods and in order of occurrence.

Climatology is the study of the climate or climatic conditions.

Codicology is the study of early manuscripts.

Coleopterology is the study of beetles and weevils.

Conchology is the study of shells.

Coprology is the study of obscene literature.

Cosmetology is the study of the beautification of the skin, hair, and nails.

Cosmology is the study of the overall structure of the physical universe.

Craniology is the study of the size, shape, and other features of human skulls.

Criminology is the study of crime and criminals.

Crustalogy is the study of the surface of the earth or the moon.

Cryology is the study of snow and ice.

Cryptology is the study of methods for translating and interpreting codes and ciphers.

Ctetology is the study of the origin and development of acquired characteristics.

Cultural Anthropology is the study of creative achievements of societies.

Cyesiology is the study of pregnancy.

Cynology is the study of the dog, especially its natural history.

Cytology is the study of the structure, growth, and pathology of cells.

Cytopathology is the study of the effects of diseases on the cellular level.

Dactylology is the study of sign language.

Deltiology is the study of picture postcards.

Demology is the study of human activities and social conditions.

Demonology is the study of demons or superstitions about demons.

Dendrochronology is the study of growth rings in trees to fix dates in the past.

Dendrology is the study of trees.

Deontology is the study of ethics, especially duty, moral obligation, and right action.

Dermatology is the study of the skin and its diseases.

Diabology is the study of the devil.

Dialectology is the study of dialects and dialect features.

Dipterology is the study of the order of insects.

Dysteleology is the study of the denial of purpose in life and nature.

Ecclesiology is the study of church building and decoration.

Eccrinology is the study of secretions and the secretory glands.

Ecology is the study of the relationship of organisms and environments.

Eidology is the study of mental imagery.

Enigmatology is the study of enigmas.

Entomology is the study of insects.

Enzymology is the study of enzymes.

Epidemiology is the study of the causes of disease outbreaks in a human community.

Epiphytology is the study of the character, ecology, and causes of plant diseases.

Epistemology is the study of the origin, nature, validity, and limits of human knowledge.

Epizootiology is the study of the occurrence and spread of animal disease.

Eremology is the study of desert features and phenomena.

Ergology is the study of the effect of work on mind and body.

Eschatology is the study of doctrines concerning death, the afterlife, or other final matters.

Ethnology is the study of the origins and development of the races of mankind.

Ethnopsychology is the study of the psychology of races and peoples.

Ethology is the study of the character formation in humans.

Etiology is the study of the causes of diseases and the factors underlying their spread.

Etruscology is the study of the Etruscan civilization.

Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words.

Euchology is the study of Eastern Orthodox ritual.

Exobiology is the study of life beyond the earth’s atmosphere.

Fermentology is the study of ferments and fermentation.

Fluviology is the study of watercourses.

Fromology is the study of cheeses.

Gemmology is the study of gemstones.

Genealogy is the study of family ancestries or histories.

Genecology is the study of animal species and their environment.

Geochronology is the study of the past in terms of geologic rather than human time.

Geology is the study of the physical history of the earth.

Geomorphology is the study of the form of the earth’s surface.

Geotectology is the study of the structure of the earth’s crust.

Geratology is the study of the decline of life.

Gerontology is the study of aging.

Glaciology is the study of the nature of glaciers and their effect on earth’s topography.

Glottochronology is the study of two languages deriving from a common source.

Glottology is the study of linguistics.

Glyptology is the study of carved or engraved gemstones.

Gnomonology is the study of gnomes or aphorisms.

Gnosiology is the study of knowledge and the human faculties for learning.

Graphology is the study of handwriting.

Graphopathology is the study of handwriting as a symptom of mental disorder.

Gynecology is the study of the diseases of women.

Hagiology is the study of the lives and legends of the saints.

Hamartiology is the study of the doctrine of sin.

Helcology is the study of ulcers.

Heliology is the study of the sun.

Helminthology is the study of (all types of) worms.

Hematology is the study of the morphology of the blood and blood forming tissues.

Hemipterology is the study of the order Hemiptera, including bedbugs and squashbugs.

Hemopathology is the study of the diseases of the blood.

Heortology is the study of the origin, growth, and meaning of Christian religious feasts.

Heresiology is the study of heresies.

Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians.

Heterology is the study of abnormalities in tissue structure or organization.

Hieroglyphology is the study of hieroglyphic writing.

Hierology is the study of sacred things.

Hippology is the study of horses.

Hippopathology is the study of the diseases of the horse.

Histology is the study of the microscopic features of animal and plant tissues.

Histology is the study of the tissues of organisms.

Historiology is the study of history.

Horology is the study of measuring time.

Hydrology is the study of the occurrence, circulation, and distribution of the waters of the earth.

Hyetology is the study of rainfall.

Hygieology is the study of hygiene.

Hymenopterology is the study of the order Hymenoptera, including bees and wasps.

Hypnology is the study of the phenomena of sleep and hypnotism.

Iatrology is the study of medicine and healing.

Ichnology is the study of fossil footprints.

Ichthyology is the study of fishes.

Iconology is the study of images.

Immunology is the study of immunity from disease and the production of such immunity.

Karyology is the study of cell nuclei.

Kinesiology is the study of the motions of the human body, especially as they apply to therapy.

Koniology is the study of atmospheric dust and other impurities in the air, germs and pollen.

Ktenology is the study of putting people to death.

Lalopathology is the study of the disorders of speech.

Lepidopterology is the study of butterflies and moths.

Leprology is the study of leprosy and its treatment.

Lexicology is the study of the meanings of words.

Lichenology is the study of lichens.

Limnology is the study of ponds and lakes.

Lithoidology is the study of rocks.

Lithology is the study of the mineral composition and structure of rocks.

Logology is the study of word puzzles or puzzling words.

Mariology is the study of the Virgin Mary.

Martyrology is the study of the lives and deaths of martyrs.

Metapsychology is the study of the concepts extending beyond the present limit of Psychology.

Meteorology is the study of climate and weather variations.

Metrology is the study of measures and weights.

Miasmology is the study of fogs and smogs.

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Mineralogy is the study of the physical and chemical structures of minerals.

Morphology is the study of the form and structure of plants and animals.

Morphology is the study of word formation in a single language.

Muscology is the study of mosses.

Museology is the study of collecting and arranging objects for museums.

Musicology is the study of music.

Mycology is the study of fungi.

Myology is the study of muscles and musculature.

Myrmecology is the study of ants.

Mythology is the study of myths.

Naology is the study of sacred buildings.

Nasology is the study of the nose.

Neonatology is the study of the diagnosis and treatments of newborns.

Neontology is the study of living, usually recent, plants and animals.

Neossology is the study of young birds.

Nephology is the study of clouds.

Nephrology is the study of the kidney.

Neurology is the study of the nerves and the nervous system.

Neuropathology is the study of the morphological and other features of nervous system disease.

Neuropterology is the study of the order Neuroptera, including lacewings and ant lions.

Nidology is the study of bird’s nests.

Nomology is the study of the laws of the mind.

Noology is the study of intuition and reason as phenomena of the mind.

Nostology is the study of senility.

Numerology is the study of numbers.

Odontology is the study of teeth and their surrounding tissues.

Oenology is the study of making wines.

Olfactology is the study of the sense of smell.

*Oligochaetology is the study of the class of Oligochaete worms. (*suggested by Donald F. Van Dyke)

Ombrology is the study of rain.

Omnibology is the study of motorbuses.

Oncology is the study of tumors.

Oneirology is the study of dreams.

Ontology is the study of the nature of existence.

Oology is the study of birds’ eggs.

Ophiology is the study of snakes.

Ophthalmology is the study of the eyes, their diseases, and defects.

Orchidology is the study of orchids.

Organology is the study of the organs of plants and animals.

Orismology is the study of defining technical terms.

Ornithology is the study of birds.

Orology is the study of mountains.

Orthopterology is the study of the order Orthoptera, including cockroaches and grasshoppers.

Osmonosology is the study of the sense of smell, especially its disorders.

Osphresiology is the study of odors.

Osteology is the study of bones and their diseases.

Osteopathology is the study of any disease of the bone.

Otology is the study of the ear and its diseases.

Paleobotany is the study of fossil plants.

Paleoecology is the study of the relationship of ancient plants and animals in their environments.

Paleology is the study of antiquities.

Paleontology is the study of plants and animals of past geologic ages.

Paleopathology is the study of diseases from former times as found in fossils.

Paleopedology is the study of soil conditions of past geologic ages.

Palynology is the study of spores, pollen, and microorganisms, living and fossil.

Pantology is the study of all branches of knowledge.

Papyrology is the study of papyrus manuscripts.

Parapsychology is the study of psychic phenomena like telepathy and clairvoyance.

Parasitology is the study of parasites and parasitism.

Paroemiology is the study of proverbs.

Pathology is the study of the origin, nature, and course of diseases.

Patrology is the study of the teachings of the early church fathers.

Pedology is the study of soils.

Pedology is the study of the physical and psychological events of childhood.

Penology is the study of the punishment of crime.

Petrology is the study of the origin, structure, composition, and changing of rocks.

Pharmacology is the study of the preparation, uses, and effects of drugs.

Phenology is the study of natural phenomena that occur periodically like migration.

Phenology is the study of the effects of climate on animal and plant life.

Phenomenology is the study of phenomena.

Philology is the study of written records to determine authenticity, original from, and meaning.

Phonology is the study of speech sounds.

Phorology is the study of disease carriers and epidemic or endemic diseases.

Phrenology is the study of the shape and protuberances of the skull.

Phthisiology is the study of tuberculosis.

Physical Anthropology is the study of the evolutionary changes in man’s bodily structure.

Physiology is the study of the functions and vital processes of living organisms.

Phytoserology is the study of plant viruses.

Phytosociology is the study of the interrelations of plants and plant communities.

Piscatology is the study of fishing.

Pistology is the study of the characteristics of faith.

*Planetology is the study of planets. (*suggested by Donald F. Van Dyke)

Planktology is the study of plankton.

Plutology is the study of wealth.

Pneumatology is the study of spiritual beings

Pneumology is the study of the human respiratory system.

Pogonology is the study of beards.

Pomology is the study of the cultivation of fruit.

Ponerology is the study of sin and evil.

Posology is the study of medicinal dosage.

Potamology is the study of rivers.

Praxeology is the study of human behavior and conduct.

Proctology is the study of the disorders of the rectum and anus.

Psephology is the study of elections.

Psychobiology is the study of the relations between body and mind.

Psychology is the study of the mind and mental processes, feelings, and desires.

Psychopathology is the study of mental disease.

Psychopharmacology is the study of drugs that effect emotional/mental state.

Pteridology is the study of ferns.

Pterylology is the study of the areas upon which birds grow feathers.

Ptochology is the study of pauperism and unemployment.

Pyretology is the study of fevers and their treatments.

Radiology is the study of x-rays or radiation from radioactive substances.

Reactology is the study of psychological reactions.

Reflexology is the study of behavior as a combination of simple and complex reflexes.

Rheology is the study of the flow and deformation of colloids.

Rheumatology is the study of rheumatism.

Rhinology is the study of the nose and its diseases.

Runology is the study of runes and runic writing.

Scatology is the study of excrement.

Seismology is the study of earthquakes and their effects.

Selenology is the study of the physical characteristics of the moon.

Semasiology is the study of semantic change.

Semeiology is the study of signs, including words and their meanings.

Sexology is the study of normal and abnormal sexual behavior.

Sindology is the study of shrouds.

Sinology is the study of the Chinese culture.

Social Anthropology is the study of human societies, interpersonal and intergroup relations.

Sociology is the study of the origin, organization, and functioning of human society.

Somatology is the study of the properties of matter.

Sophiology is the study of ideas.

Soteriology is the study of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Spectrology is the study of ghosts, phantoms, or apparitions.

Speleology is the study of caves.

Splanchnology is the study of the viscera.

Stomatology is the study of the diseases of the mouth.

Storiology is the study of folklore and folk literature.

Sumerology is the study of the language, history, and archeology of the Sumerians.

Symptomatology is the study of the symptoms of diseases.

Synecology is the study of the relation of organisms in the mass to their common environment.

Tegestology is the study of beer mats.

Teleology is the study of the evidences of purpose or design in nature.

Telmatology is the study of wetlands, as marshes or swamps.

Teratology is the study of monstrosities or abnormal formations in plants or animals.

Thanatology is the study of death or the dead.

Thaumatology is the study of miracles.

Theology is the study of God and His relationship to the universe.

Thermatology is the study of heat as a medical remedy or therapy.

Thermology is the study of heat.

Thremmatology is the study of the breeding of domestic plants and animals.

Tidology is the study of tides.

Tocology is the study of obstetrics or midwifery.

Tonology is the study of tones or of speech intonations.

Topology is the study of the physical features of a specific place or area.

Toxicology is the study of poisons.

Traumatology is the study of wounds.

Tribology is the study of friction, lubrication, and wear.

Trichology is the study of hair and its diseases.

Tropology is the study of figures of speech or tropes.

Tsiology is the study of tea.

Typhlology is the study of the causes, treatment, and prevention of blindness.

Universology is the study of the universe.

Uredinology is the study of rusts.

Vexillology is the study of flags and flag design.

Virology is the study of viruses.

Volcanology is the study of volcanoes and volcanic phenomena.

Xylology is the study of the structure of wood.

Zoology is the study of living creatures.

Zoopsychology is the study of animal behaviors.

Zymology is the study of fermentation.