phenology

noun

phe·​nol·​o·​gy fi-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce phenology (audio)
1
: a branch of science dealing with the relations between climate and periodic biological phenomena (such as bird migration or plant flowering)
2
: periodic biological phenomena that are correlated with climatic conditions
phenological adjective
phenologically adverb

Examples of phenology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Richardson was a co-author of that study and a frequent collaborator with O’Keefe, albeit while pioneering a more modern method of phenology research. Benjamin Cassidy, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Oct. 2024 The project has helped other scientists recognize that the interdisciplinary branch of science known as phenology—or the study of recurring natural events—can illuminate the effects of climate change, inspiring a network of researchers across the country. Benjamin Cassidy, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Oct. 2024 In places where leaves fall, autumn’s signature smell comes largely from decaying plant material, Theresa M. Crimmins, PhD, director of the USA National Phenology Network and associate professor of phenology at The University of Arizona, tells SELF. Lauren Mazzo, SELF, 8 Oct. 2024 Guerrero hopes to fill in some gaps in its life history, habitat preferences and phenology. Krissy Waite, The Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for phenology 

Word History

Etymology

phenomena + -logy

First Known Use

circa 1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenology was circa 1884

Dictionary Entries Near phenology

Cite this Entry

“Phenology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenology. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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