Herpetology
/ˌhɜːr.pəˈtɑː.lə.dʒi/noun
The branch of zoology that studies reptiles and amphibians.
Did you know?The root behind herpetology, Greek *herpeton*, originally meant a “creeping thing,” and in ancient usage it could describe snakes and other low-crawling creatures that seemed to move with eerie, earthbound intent.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἑρπετόν (herpetón)
“a creeping or crawling thing, especially a snake or reptile”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἑρπετολογία (herpetología)
“the speaking or discourse about creeping things”
Late 17th Century
English
herpetology
“the study of reptiles and amphibians”
Modern English
English
herpetology
“the scientific study of reptiles and amphibians”