oceanography

ocean·og·ra·phy

noun \ˌō-shə-ˈnä-grə-fē\

Definition of OCEANOGRAPHY

: a science that deals with the oceans and includes the delimitation of their extent and depth, the physics and chemistry of their waters, marine biology, and the exploitation of their resources

— ocean·og·ra·pher \-fər\ noun

— ocean·o·graph·ic \-nə-ˈgra-fik\ also ocean·o·graph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective

— ocean·o·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin of OCEANOGRAPHY

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use: 1859

oceanography

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Scientific discipline concerned with all aspects of the world's oceans and seas, including their physical and chemical properties, origin and geology, and life forms. Research entails sampling seawater and marine life, remote sensing of oceanic processes with aircraft and satellites, and exploration of the seafloor. Oceanography aids in predicting weather and climate, in exploitation of the Earth's resources, and in understanding the effects of pollutants. See also marine geology.