acridology

noun

ac·​ri·​dol·​o·​gy
ˌa-krə-ˈdä-lə-jē
plural -es
: the study of migratory locusts and other grasshoppers
acridologist
ˌa-krə-ˈdä-lə-jist
noun
plural acridologists
Acridologists have debated the adaptiveness of phase polymorphism for decades. James T. Costa, The Other Insect Societies, 2006

Word History

Etymology

Greek akrid-, akrís "grasshopper" + -o- + -logy

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acridology was in 1948

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near acridology

Cite this Entry

“Acridology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acridology. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!