Ophiology
/ˌɒf.iˈɒl.ə.dʒi/noun
The scientific study of snakes.
Did you know?The Greek root óphis, meaning “snake,” appears in ancient religious symbolism, including the serpent associated with healing and renewal in the Rod of Asclepius.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁ogʷʰis
“Snake or serpent”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὄφις (óphis)
“Snake or serpent”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὀφιολογία (ophiología)
“Study or account of snakes”
19th Century
Scientific English
ophiology
“The branch of zoology concerned with snakes”
Modern English
English
ophiology
“The scientific study of snakes”
Explore more surprising origins