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paleobotanist

paleobotanist

1 9.5
A scientist who studies plant fossils from long ago
  • noun
  • /ˌpeɪliəʊˈbɒtənɪst/
  • Specialized
translation icon : paleobotánico
  • At the university, a paleobotanist presented his research on prehistoric forests.

Examples

  • ALAN: This is our paleobotanist, Dr.--

  • Love to have the opinion of a paleobotanist as well.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • I'd love to have an opinion of a paleobotanist as well.

  • " The first group is a paleontologist, a paleobotanist, and a mathematician.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The paleobotanist studies ancient plant life by analyzing fossilized specimens.

  • During her expedition, the paleobotanist discovered new species of fossil plants.

Surface Forms

paleobotanist singular

Morphology

paleobotanist = paleobotany (semi-transparent) = paleo + botany + ist

Formed by adding the agentive suffix '-ist' to 'paleobotany'; understanding requires recognition of the combining form 'paleo-' meaning 'ancient' as well as 'botany'.

Etymology

Paleobotanist combines paleo- meaning 'ancient', botany meaning 'plants', and the ending -ist meaning 'a person who studies'. So, a paleobotanist is like a 'plant detective' who studies very old plant fossils.