phenology
noun
phe·nol·o·gy
fi-ˈnä-lə-jē 
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
Examples of phenology in a Sentence
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Monitoring phenology and behavior of polar bears at den emergence using cameras and satellite telemetry
Before joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues.
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Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
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
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Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for phenology
Cite this Entry
“Phenology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenology. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
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