paleoecology

noun pa·leo·ecol·o·gy \-i-ˈkä-lə-jē, -e-ˈkä-\

Definition of PALEOECOLOGY

: a branch of ecology that is concerned with the characteristics of ancient environments and with their relationships to ancient plants and animals

— pa·leo·eco·log·i·cal \-ˌē-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl, -ˌe-kə-\ also pa·leo·eco·log·ic \-jik\ adjective

— pa·leo·ecol·o·gist \-i-ˈkä-lə-jist, -e-ˈkä-\ noun

1898

Next Word in the Dictionary: paleoencephalonPrevious Word in the Dictionary: paleodendrologyAll Words Near: paleoecology

What made you want to look up paleoecology? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears