Areology
/ˌɛəriˈɒlədʒi/noun
The scientific study of the planet Mars, including its geology, atmosphere, and physical history.
Did you know?The prefix areo- comes from Ares, the Greek counterpart of the Roman god Mars, while the suffix -logy means the study or discourse of something.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ἄρης (Árēs)
“Ares, the Greek god associated especially with war and violent conflict”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ἄρειος (Áreios)
“Of or belonging to Ares”
Ancient Greek
Greek
λόγος (lógos)
“Word, account, reasoning, or systematic discourse”
Late 18th–19th Century
Scientific English
areo-
“A combining form referring to Mars, modeled on the Greek name Ares”
19th Century
English
areology
“The systematic study of Mars”
Modern English
English
areology
“Planetary science focused on Mars, especially its geology and physical environment”