Paleoanthropology

Alternative forms

• paleanthropology
• palaeoanthropology
• palæoanthropology

Origin

From - + anthropo- + -.

Full definition of paleoanthropology

Noun

1. (anthropology) The scientific study of ancient human remains.

Usage notes

The insertion of the first -o- is unnecessary in priciple, since -o- is intended to be placed before consonant sounds. According to this line of thinking, the correct form would be paleanthropology. However, other dictionaries seem to prefer paleoanthropology and it is 200 times more frequently used on the Internet than "paleanthropology".

Derived terms

• paleoanthropologist
• paleoanthropological