Ferroequinology

Origin

Latin ferrum ("iron") + Latin equus ("horse") + ; from iron horse

Full definition of ferroequinology

Noun

1. (humorous, nonstandard) The study of railways in general, but especially locomotives.
• 1993 December 5, J. Alan Septimus, “Re: altitudes (was Re: Engines (Re: Amtrak derails in Boise ...))”, rec.railroad, UsenetAnyone interested in Colorado ferroequinology, get yourself a copy of the DeLorme atlas. This shows the alignments of lots of old railroad grades
• 1995 January 30, Glenn Laubaugh, “BRASS KEY”, rec.railroad, pdx.general

• The BRASS KEY...is the unofficial, unauthorized internet newspaper of ferroequinology (Latin: Study of Iron Horses) in the Pacific Northwest.
• 1995 July 6, Paul Marsh, as quoted by Craig Symington in “Nebraska, Mosquitos, trains and girlfriends....”, bit.listserv.railroad, UsenetIt has been well-established by the ferroequinology cognoscenti that train whistles cause a serious distubance among mosquitos, making them far less willing to strike their victims.

Derived terms

• ferroequinologist