palynology

noun

pal·​y·​nol·​o·​gy ˌpa-lə-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce palynology (audio)
: a branch of science dealing with pollen and spores
palynological adjective
or less commonly palynologic
palynologically adverb
palynologist noun

Examples of palynology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web His mentor, Vaughn Bryant, began promoting forensic palynology in the 1970s, after learning about its application in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Nick Miroff, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2019 But with an era of opioid investigations ramping up, forensic palynology is poised to get its time in the US spotlight. Zoë Schlanger, Quartz, 6 June 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'palynology.' 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

Greek palynein to sprinkle, from palē fine meal

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of palynology was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near palynology

Cite this Entry

“Palynology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palynology. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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