entomology

noun

en·​to·​mol·​o·​gy ˌen-tə-ˈmä-lə-jē How to pronounce entomology (audio)
: a branch of zoology that deals with insects
entomological adjective
entomologically adverb
entomologist noun

Examples of entomology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her own research and collaborative spirit continue to push the boundaries of forensic entomology. Krista Stevens, Longreads, 9 Jan. 2024 The first modern use of forensic entomology is thought to have occurred in 19th-century France, when a doctor analyzed the remains of a child found in an apartment building. Jordan Michael Smith, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2024 Judy Muller-Cohn and Rolf Muller were colleagues at Oregon State University where Judy earned a master’s degree in entomology, and Rolf earned one in Virology. Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2024 Forensic entomology, per the National Institutes of Health, is the study of insects/arthropods in criminal investigation. Christina Coulter, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2023 The best example of that species is now kept in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History’s entomology collection so other scientists can refer to it. Madeline Bodin, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 May 2023 The insect is helpless in the tender grasp of eight-year-old Wen (Kristen Cui), whose amateur entomology expedition is interrupted by the appearance of a figure who dwarfs her in turn. Adam Nayman, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2023 How ladybugs were lucky Ladybugs, also called lady birds and lady beetles, are biological control agents that eat pests and protect crops, says John Losey, a professor of entomology at Cornell University. Kate Morgan, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023 The aerial drops alone would not be enough to eradicate fruit flies, said UC Davis entomology professor James Carey, who has studied medflies since 1980 and was on the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s medfly scientific advisory panel from 1987 to 1994. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'entomology.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French entomologie, from Greek entomon insect (from neuter of entomos cut up, from en- + temnein to cut) + French -logie -logy — more at tome

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of entomology was in 1764

Dictionary Entries Near entomology

Cite this Entry

“Entomology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entomology. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

entomology

noun
en·​to·​mol·​o·​gy ˌent-ə-ˈmäl-ə-jē How to pronounce entomology (audio)
: a branch of zoology that deals with insects
entomological adjective

Medical Definition

entomology

noun
en·​to·​mol·​o·​gy ˌent-ə-ˈmäl-ə-jē How to pronounce entomology (audio)
plural entomologies
: a branch of zoology that deals with insects
entomological adjective
entomologically adverb

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