Scolecology
/ˌskoʊliˈkɑːlədʒi/noun
The study of worms, especially segmented worms such as annelids.
Did you know?Its first element comes from Ancient Greek σκώληξ, meaning “worm,” a root preserved in scientific names for wormlike animals and centipedes.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
σκώληξ (skṓlēx), genitive σκώληκος (skṓlēkos)
“Worm or grub; a crawling, elongated creature”
Late Greek
Greek
σκοληκο- (skōlēko-)
“Worm-related combining form”
18th–19th Century
New Latin
scoleco-
“Scientific combining form meaning “worm””
19th Century
Scientific English
scolecology
“The study of worms”
Modern English
English
scolecology
“A specialized term for the scientific study of worms”
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