Gerontology
/ˌdʒɛr.ənˈtɒl.ə.dʒi/noun
The scientific study of aging and the biological, psychological, and social aspects of later life.
Did you know?The word combines Greek γέρων, meaning “old man” or “elder,” with -λογία, the same “study” element found in astrology, theology, and magic-related words such as occult terminology.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵerh₂-
“To grow old or become mature”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γέρων (gérōn)
“An old man, elder, or old person”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γῆρας (gêras)
“Old age”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-λογία (-logia)
“A discourse, account, or systematic study”
1903
English
gerontology
“A term introduced for the scientific study of aging, associated with Russian-French scientist Élie Metchnikoff”
Modern English
English
gerontology
“The interdisciplinary study of aging and later life”
Explore more surprising origins