geology

noun

ge·​ol·​o·​gy jē-ˈä-lə-jē 

plural geologies

1

a

: a science that deals with the history of the earth and its life especially as recorded in rocks

b

: a study of the solid matter of a celestial body (such as the moon)

2

: geologic features

the geology of Arizona

3

: a treatise on geology

geologist

jē-ˈä-lə-jist 

noun

Examples of geology in a Sentence

learning about the geology of Hawaii

Recent Examples on the Web

Already, the Perseverance team operating the rover from southern California have found signs of unusual geology. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

In the future, scientists may also use the 3D scans to learn more about the geology of the sea floor or the creatures that are now living among the wreckage, per BBC News. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024

Finally, both crafts will carry a host of cameras and light sensors that will provide unprecedented images of the geology and composition of the moon’s icy surfaces. —Mike Sori, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024

Mars geology Mars is an intriguing planet from a geological and atmospheric perspective. —Joel S. Levine, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin geologia, from ge- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

geology

noun

ge·​ol·​o·​gy jē-ˈäl-ə-jē 

plural geologies

1

a

: a science that deals with the history of the earth and its life especially as recorded in rocks

b

: a study of the features of a heavenly body (as the moon)

2

: the geologic features (as mountains or plains) of an area

geologic

ˌjē-ə-ˈläj-ik

adjective

or geological

-i-kəl

geologically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

geologist

jē-ˈäl-ə-jəst 

noun