# paleontology

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˌpeɪli.ənˈtɒləd͡ʒi/ · frequency rank #37,617

## Definitions
1. The study of the forms of life existing in prehistoric or geologic times, especially as represented by fossils.

## Etymology
Attested since 1836 (as palæontology). From French paléontologie (attested since 1822). By surface analysis, paleo- (“ancient”) + onto- (“being”) + -logy (“study”).

## Common misspellings (18)
`apleontology`, `paelontology`, `palenotology`, `paleonntology`, `paleonotlogy`, `paleontloogy`, `paleontolgoy`, `paleontollogy`, `paleontologgy`, `paleontologyy`, `paleontoloyg`, `paleontoolgy`, `paleonttology`, `paleotnology`, `palleontology`, `paloentology`, `plaeontology`, `ppaleontology`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/paleontology