Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun, plural ge·ol·o·gies.
- the science that deals with the dynamics and physical history of the earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the physical, chemical, and biological changes that the earth has undergone or is undergoing.
- the study of this science.
- the geologic features and processes occurring in a given region on the earth or on a celestial body: the geology of Mars; the geology of eastern Kentucky.
noun
- the scientific study of the origin, history, structure, and composition of the earth
- the geological features of a district or country
1735, from Modern Latin geologia “the study of the earth,” from geo- “earth” + logia (see -logy). In Medieval Latin, geologia (14c.) meant “study of earthly things,” i.e. law, as distinguished from arts and sciences, which concern the works of God. Darwin used geologize as a verb.
- The scientific study of the origin of the Earth along with its rocks, minerals, land forms, and life forms, and of the processes that have affected them over the course of the Earth’s history.
- The structure of a specific region of the Earth, including its rocks, soils, mountains, fossils, and other features.
The science devoted to the study of the Earth, particularly the solid Earth and the rocks that compose it.