-logy

Encyclopedia : L : LO : LOG : -logy

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The English suffix -ology or -logy denotes a field of study or academic discipline, and -ologist describes a person who studies that field.

Etymology

The word ology is a back-formation from the names of these disciplines. "-logy" basically means "the study of ____". Such words are formed from Greek or Latin roots with the terminal -logy derived from the Greek suffix -λογια (-logia), speaking, from λεγειν (legein), to speak. The word ology is thus misleading as the 'o' is actually part of the word stem that receives the -logy ending. For example, the bio part of biology stems from Greek βιος (bios), life. This is why some of the words do not end in -ology (such as mineralogy).

Other words ending in \"ology\"

Not all words ending in -ology are ologies in the above sense. In some words such as tautology and haplology, the -logy suffix is from the Greek λογος, word, and denotes not a field of study but a type of speech or writing. For example, haplology means the mistake of saying one letter, syllable or word when two or more are required, as in the example of pronouncing the word February somewhat like "Febuary".

It should also be pointed out that some words mean to study something, but aren't called ologies – midwifery is one example.

Usage

Although technically incorrect, "-ology" is sometimes used to describe a subject rather than the study of it. Technology is a typical example. This usage is also widespread in medicine; for example, pathology is often used for specific disease ("We have not found the pathology yet").

"Ology" can be appended to any word, humorously, when describing its study; such as beer-ology or Wiki-ology.

There are a few irregular exceptions to the ending "-ologist"; for example theology/theologian.

A famous British television commercial of the 1980s has a Jewish student calling his grandmother (played by Maureen Lipman) to confirm his exam results. He is disappointed that he has only passed Sociology, but his grandmother will have none of it. "Anthony," she insists, "if you get an ology, you're a scientist!"

The term "Ology" is often used, pejoratively, to indicate that a subject is a pseudo-science, and does not meet the same standards of rigour as more hard sciences such as Physics or Chemistry.

List of -ologies

:	Top - 0–9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Acarology, the study of ticks and mites
Acridilogy, the study of Grasshoppers and Locusts
Actinobiology, the study of the effects of radiation upon living organisms
Actinology, the study of the effect of light on chemicals
Aerobiology, a branch of biology that studies organic particles, such as bacteria, fungal spores, very small insects and pollen, which are passively transported by the air.
Aerology, the study of the free atmosphere
Aeropalynology, the study of pollen grains and spores (palynomorphs) in the atmosphere
Aetiology, the medical study of the causation of disease
Agnoiology, the study of things of which we are by nature ignorant, or of things which cannot be known
Agrobiology, the study of plant nutrition and growth in relation to soil conditions
Agrology
* Canada: the art and science of agriculture
* Non-Canada: the study of soils
Algology, the study of algae
Allergology, the study of the causes and treatment of allergies; a branch of medicine
Andrology, the study of male health and disease
Anesthesiology, the study of anesthesia and anesthetics; a branch of medicine
Angelology, the study of angels
Angiology, the study of the anatomy of blood and lymph vascular systems
Anthropology, the study of humans
Apiology, the study of bees (apiaries)
Arachnology, the study of spiders and their kind
Archaeology, the study of past cultures through the analysis of material remains
Archaeozoology, the study of relationships between humans and animals over time through examination of animal remains at archaeological sites (also see Zooarchaeology)
Areology, the study of Mars
Assyriology, the study of the Assyrians
Astacology, the study of crayfish
Astrobiology, the study of origin of life
Astrogeology, the study of geology of celestial bodies (e.g., planets, asteroids, comets)
Astrology, the study of purported influences of stars on human affairs
Atmology, the study of the laws and phenomena of aqueous vapors
Atomology, the doctrine of atoms
Audiology, the study of hearing; a branch of medicine
Autecology, the study of the ecology of any individual species
Auxology, the study of human growth.
Axiology, the study of the nature of values and value judgements

B

Bacteriology, the study of bacteria
Balneology, the scientific study of baths, bathing and of their application to disease
Bioclimatology, the study of the effects of climate on living organisms
Biogeomorphology, or ecogeomorphology, the study of interactions between organisms and geomorphological processes
Bioecology, the study of the relationship of organisms to each other and to their environment
Biology, the study of life
Biometeorology, the study of the effects of atmospheric conditions on living organisms
Boxology is the study of schematic layouts, for example of corporate org charts.
Bryology, the study of bryophytes

C

Caliology, the study of nests of birds
Campanology, the study and the art of bell ringing
Cardiology, the study of the heart
Cariology, the study of cells
Carpology, the study of the structure of seeds and fruit
Cereology, the study of crop circles
Cetology, the study of cetaceans - whales, dolphins, and porpoise
Characterology, the study of character
Chelonology, the study of turtles
Christology, the theological study of redemption (christos > christein: to sacrament), not only speaking of Christianity but also extended to religion in general
Chorology, the study of the relationship of biological or other phenomena to their locations
Chronology the study of things in order of time or the study of time
Climatology, the study of the climate
Codicology, the study of the preparation of books and manuscripts (ink, paper, vellum etc)
Coleopterology, the study of beetles
Coniology, the study of dust in the atmosphere and its effects on plants and animals, also spelled "koniology".
Conchology, the study of shells and of molluscs
Cosmology, the study of the cosmos or our place in it.
Cosmetology, the study of cosmetics and their use.
Craniology, the study of the characteristics of the skull
Criminology, the scientific study of crime.
Cryology, the study of very low temperatures and related phenomena.
Cryptology, the study of how to encrypt and decrypt secret messages
Cryptozoology, the study of animals that may or may not be mythical
Cynology, the study of dogs
Cytomorphology, the study of the structure of cells
Cytology, the study of cells

D

Deltiology, the study of, but more often the collecting of picture postcards
Demonology, the study of demons
Dendrochronology, the study of the age of trees and the records in their rings
Dendrology, the study of trees
Deontology, in ethics, the study of duty.
Dermatology, the field of medicine that deals with the skin
Dermatopathology, the field of dermatological anatomical pathology
Desmology, the study of ligaments
Dialectology, the study of dialects
Dipterology, the study of flies
Dosology, the study of dosages of medicine and drugs. Same as posology.
Doxology, the speech of Praise (not a proper ology, see below)

E

Ecclesiology, the study of Church architecture and decoration, or separately the study of the Christian Church
Ecogeomorphology, or biogeomorphology, the study of interactions between organisms and geomorphological processes
Ecohydrology, the study of interactions among organisms and the water cycle.
Ecology, the study of the interrelationships between living organisms and their environment. Sometimes spelled "œcology".
Ecophysiology, the study of the interrelationship between an organism's physical functioning and its environment
Edaphology, a branch of soil science that studies the influence of soil on life.
Egyptology, the study of the ancient Egyptians
Electrophysiology, the study of the relationship between electric phenomena and bodily processes
Embryology, the study of embryos
Emetology, the study or knowledge of emetics
Endocrinology, the study of internal secretory glands
Enigmatology, the study of puzzles
Enology (or Oenology), the study of wine and winemaking
Entomology, the study of insects
Enzymology, the study of enzymes
Epidemiology, the study of epidemics
Epistemology, the study of the nature and origins of knowledge
Escapology, the practice of escaping from restraints or other traps.
Eschatology, a branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of mankind
Ethnology, the study of race
Ethnomusicology, the study of music in society, usually non-western music
Ethology, the study of animal behaviour
Etiology, same as Aetiology
Etymology, the study of word origins
Eulogy, the speech of praise
Evolutionary biology, the study of the process of biological evolution
Evolutionary psychology, the study of the process of (usually) human psychological evolution.
Exobiology, the study of life in outer space

F

Felinology, the study of cats
Fetology, the study of the fetus, especially when within the uterus. Sometimes spelled foetology.
Formicology, the study of ants

G

Garbology - study of refuse and trash
Gastrology or Gastroenterology - diseases of stomach and intestines
Gemmology or Gemology, the study of gemstones and ornamental materials
Genealogy (commonly misspelt and mispronounced as "geneology"), the study of relationships within families particularly with a view to constructing family trees
Genecology, the study of genetic differences in relation to the environment
Geobiology, the study of the biosphere and its relations to the lithosphere and atmosphere.
Geochronology, the study of the age of the Earth
Geology, the study of the Earth
Geomorphology, the study of present-day landforms, traditionally on Earth but with increasing frequency on nearby planetary objects
Gerontology, the study of old age
Glaciology, the study of glaciers
Grammatology, the study of writing systems. Also the study of deconstructive literary criticism, popularized in the 1960s by Jacques Derrida
Graphology, the study of handwriting for the purpose of analysing the character of the writer
Gynaecology or Gynecology, the study of medicine relating to women, or of women in general

H

Hematology/Haematology, the study of blood
Heliology, the study of the Sun
Helioseismology, the study of vibrations and oscillations in the Sun
Helminthology, the study of parasitic worms. See Vermeology.
Henology, roughly, the study of unity. In natural theology, a henological argument attempts to prove the existence of God by reasoning from a multiplicity of virtues backwards to show that they must have one source (God). [link]
Hepatology, the study of the liver; a branch of medicine
Herbology, the study of the therapeutic use of plants
Herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians
Heteroptology, the study of true bugs.
Histology, the study of living tissues
Histopathology, the study of the (microscopic) structure of diseased tissues
Historiology, the study of the writings and practices of historians
Horology, the study of making timepieces, measuring time and timekeeping (also the study of time)
Hungarology, the study of the language, culture and history of Hungary or Hungarians
Hydrogeology, the study of underground water
Hydrology, the study of water
Hypnology, the study of sleep (also: somnology)

I

Ichthyology, the study of fish
Ichnology, the study of fossil footprints, tracks and burrows
Immunology, the study of the immune system
Islamology, the study of the Islam

J

Japanology, the study of Japanese people
Judeology, the study of the Jewish People, and extended: Judaism

K

Karyology, the study of karyotypes (a branch of cytology)
Killology, the study of human beings killing other human beings (Grossman's theory)
Kinesiology, the study of movement in relation to human anatomy; a branch of medicine
Kremlinology, the study of the Soviet Union
Kymatology, the study of waves or wave motions

L

Laryngology, the study of the larynx, or voice box; a branch of medicine
Lepidopterology, the study of butterflies and moths
Lexicology, the study of the signification and application of words
Limnology, the study of fresh water environments, particularly lakes
Lithology, the study of rocks
Lymphology, the study of the lymph system and glands

M

Malacology, the study of mollusks
Mammalogy, the study of mammals
Mereology, a branch of logic focusing on the study of part-whole relationships
Meteorology, the study of weather
Methodology, (properly) the study of methods
Metrology, the study of measurement
Microbiology, the study of microorganisms.
Micrology, the science of preparing and handling microscopic objects for study.
Mineralogy, the study of minerals
Mixology, the study or skill of preparing mixed drinks.
Molinology, the study of windmills, watermills and animal engines.
Monadology, a book by Leibniz on the study of his theory of monads.
Morphology, the study of forms that is used in several other fields (biology, linguistics, astronomy, etc.)
Musicology, the study of music
Mycology, the study of fungi
Myology the scientific study of muscles
Myrmecology, the study of ants
Mythology, the study of myths

N

Nanotechnology, the study and design of machines at the molecular level
Neonatology, the study of diseases and the care of newborn infants; a branch of pediatrics/paediatrics
Nephology, the study of clouds
Nephrology, the study of the kidneys and their diseases, a branch of medicine
Neurology, the study of nerves
Neuropathology, the study of neural diseases
Neurophysiology, the study of the functions of the nervous system
Nosology, the study of diseases
Numerology, the study of numbers (often in a non-mathematical sense)

O

Oceanology, the study of oceans
Odonatology, the study of dragonflies and damselflies
Odontology, the study of the structure, development, and abnormalities of the teeth
Oenology, the study of wine
Oikology, the study of housekeeping
Oncology, the study of cancer
Ontology, the study of existence
Oology, the study of eggs
Ophthalmology, the study of the eyes
Organology, the study of musical instruments (not just organs); alternatively, the study of anatomical organs
Ornithology, the study of birds
Orthopterology, the study of grasshoppers and crickets
Orology, the study of mountains and their mapping
Osteology, the study of bones
Otolaryngology, the study of the ear and throat; a branch of medicine
Otology, the study of the structure, function, and pathology of the ear
Otorhinolaryngology, the study of the ear, nose, and throat; a branch of medicine

P

Paleontology, the study of ancient creatures
Paleoanthropology, the study of ancient humans and human origin
Paleoclimatology, the study of climate prior to the widespread availability of records of temperature, precipitation, and other instrumental data
Paleoecology, the study of past environments using the fossils of plants and animals
Palynology, the study of pollen
Parapsychology, the study of paranormal or psychic phenomenon that defy conventional scientific explanations
Parasitology, the study of parasites
Pathology, the study of illness
Pedology (soil study)
Pedology (children study)
Penology, the study of prison management and criminal rehabilitation.
Personology, a variant of physiognomy
Petrology, the study of rocks
Pharmacology, the study of drugs
Phenology, the study of periodic biological phenomena such as flowering, migration, breeding, etc.
Phenomenology, the study and science of phenomena as distinct from the science of actual existence or being; also a movement founded by Husserl which studies conscious experience without its metaphysical concerns
Phlebology, a branch of medicine that deals with the venous system
Phonology, the study of vocal sounds
Phrenology, the derivation of a persons character traits, by studying the shape of their skull
Physiology, the study of bodies, usually of animals
Phytology, the study of plants; botany
Planetology, the study of planets and solar systems
Planktology, the study of plankton
Pneumology, a synonym of Pulmonology
Pomology, the scientific study and cultivation of fruits
Posology, see dosology
Primatology, the study of primates
Psychobiology, the study and psychology of organisms with regard to their functions and structures
Psychology, the study of mental processes in humans
Psychopharmacology, the study of psychotropic or psychiatric drugs
Psychophysiology, the study of the physiological bases of psychological processes
Pulmonology is the specialty in medicine that deals with diseases of the lungs and the respiratory tract.
Pyrology, the study of fire

R

Radiology, the study of rays, usually ionising radiation
Reflexology, originally the study of reflexes or of reflex responses; but see also non-study list
Rheology, the study of flow
Rheumatology, the study of rheumatic diseases, a branch of medicine
Rhinology, the study of the nose and its diseases

S

Sarcology, a subsection of anatomy that studies the soft parts. It includes myology, angiology, neurology, and splanchnology
Scatology, the study of feces
Sedimentology, a branch of geology that studies sediments.
Seismology, the study of earthquakes
Selenology, the study of the moon
Semiology the study of signs
Serology, the study of blood serum
Serpentology, the study of snakes
Sexology, the study of sex
Sinology, the study of China
Sitiology, dietetics, the study of diet. Also, a treatise on diet. Also spelled "sitology"
Sociology, the study of society
Sociobiology, the study of the effect of evolution on ethology
Somnology, the study of sleep, also: hypnology
Soteriology the study of the doctrine of salvation, especially as related to Christianity
Sovietology, the study of communist Soviet Union
Speleology, the study or exploration of caves
Splanchnology, the study of the viscera.
Sporalogy, a parody of astrology
Stemmatology, from dictionary.com: the humanistic discipline that attempts to reconstruct the transmission of a text (especially a text in manuscript form) on the basis of relations between the various surviving manuscripts (sometimes using cladisitc analysis)[link]
Stomatology, study of the mouth and its diseases
Symbology, the study and interpretation of symbols, or a set of symbols. Also used for types of barcodes
Symptomatology, the study of symptoms
Synecology, the study of the ecological interrelationships among communities of organisms

T

Technology, the study of the practical arts (but see above)
Teleology, the study of ends or final causes
Teratology, the study of wonders, or monsters
Thanatology, the study of physical, psychological and social problems associated with dying.
Theriology, the study of mammals (also, but less used: mammalogy)
Thermology, the study of heat.
Theology, the study of God
Thremmatology, the study of breeding domestic plants and animals
Tidology, the study of tides.
Tocology, the study of childbirth, sometimes spelled "tokology".
Tonology, the study of intonation in speech
Topology, the mathematical study of closeness and connectedness
Toxicology, the study of poisons
Traumatology, the study of wounds and injuries caused by accidents or assaults and their surgical treatment and repair; a branch of medicine
Traumatopsychology, the study of psychological traumas
Tribology, the study of friction and lubrication
Trichology, the study of hair and scalp
Trichopterology, the study of caddis flies
Typology, the study of classification

U

Urology, the study and treatment of diseases of the urogenital tract, a branch of medicine. Sometimes spelled "ourology".
Ufology, the study of Unidentified flying object (UFO) phenomena.

V

Vaccinology, the study of vaccines
Venereology, the study of venereal diseases
Vermeology, the study of worms. See helminthology.
Vexillology, the study of flags
Victimology, the study of victims of crime, often applied to characterizing the criminal
Virology, the study of viruses
Volcanology (also spelled vulcanology), the study of volcanoes and related phenomena (traps)

X

Xenobiology, the study of non-terrestrial life
Xylology, the study of wood

Z

Zooarchaeology, the study and analysis of animal remains at archaeological sites to reconstruct relationships between people, animals, and their environment (also see Archaeozoology)
Zoology, the study of animals
Zymology, the study of fermentation

Ologies that are not fields of study

Words ending in -ology that are not fields of study, and thus not "ologies" in the sense of this article, are:

Anthology, a collection of literary pieces (such as poems).
Apology
*a statement of regret.
*an explanation for or justification of beliefs.
Chronology is the arrangement or setting out of past events in order of occurrence; the recording of historical events in date sequence.
Cosmetology, the art and career of using cosmetics to improve beauty.
Dilogy is
*ambiguous or equivocal speech, or
*a work composed in two parts (see trilogy)
Docimology, a treatise on the art of testing, e.g. in assaying metals.
Doxology, a spoken or sung end of a prayer.
Eulogy, though not an -ology, is a commemoration of a person's life at his/her funeral.
Francology -- there is an institute of Francology in Bucharest, Romania.
Hagiology is literature dealing with the life of a saint or, indeed, any revered person, a biography of an individual, rather than a study of saints, sainthood or saintliness in general.
Heterology, a dissimilarity of parts often attributable to a difference in origin.
Homology, a similarity often atributable to common origin
Ideology, sometimes spelled idealogy, is a system of ideas about politics, human life or culture.
Kibology, joke religion worshiping Kibo.
Menology, a register of months, or a calendar of the lives of the saints for each day of the year.
Misology is the hatred of reason, enlightment or rational argument.
Onology, foolish discourse.
Philology, the historical study of languages. This is not a ology in the strict sense, because it is not the study (-ologia) of love (philo-), but the love (philo-) of literature (logia).
Phraseology is the way words are put together, therefore the style being used in a sentence, or the set of phrases or the choice of words used by any particular group of people, or a type of register that reflects the form of language used in a certain social situation in which particular subjects are being discussed.
Piphilology seems to be a borderline case with some aspects of a field of study, but not a scientific discipline.
Reflexology, alternative method of massage, therapy or pressure on certain points of the sole of the feet as a means of relieving nervous tension.
Scientology, the belief system/cult religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard, self-described as a study of knowledge.
Tautology, a self-affirming truth.
Terminology, a set of words and/or phrases, usually in relation to some particular canon or field of study e.g. 'mathematical terminology'.
Tetralogy of Fallot, an abnormality of the heart consisting of four deformities that often occur together.
Trilogy (although not strictly an -ology) is a body of writing in three parts, as tetralogy is that in four parts. Other words such as pentalogy, hexalogy, and heptalogy or septology cover larger series.
Tropology, the use of tropes in speech or writing.
A Zumology is a treatise on the fermentation of liquors.

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