phycology

1 9.9

The study of algae, like seaweed

noun
/faɪˈkɑlədʒi/

Specialized

: ficología

After studying phycology, he was amazed at how algae could be used for biofuel production.

Examples

In her research paper, she focused on phycology to explore the various types of algae and their ecological roles.
The university offers a degree in phycology, which delves into the biological and chemical properties of algae.
Especially phycology, but these guys, they keep me on my toes.

Stowaway (2021)
Phycology, well what does this subject have to do with your psychology?

Don't Give Up (2021)
- And your new phycology practice, and being recognized as the top therapist in Europe weekly magazine.

Baggage Red (2020)
Your phycology profile says your emotionally unsuited to hold rank.

Dangerous Game (1988)

Synonyms

algology

vsphycology

Specialized

9.6

Study of algae, simple plants that live in water

uses a different technical name for the same botanical study

Surface Forms

phycology singular

phycologies plural

Morphology

phycology = phyc + ology

Although the word is formally analyzable as phyc- + -ology, the combining form phyc- is not a familiar standalone English word for most learners, so the meaning is not readily recoverable.

Etymology

Phycology comes from the Greek word phycos meaning 'seaweed' and the ending -logy meaning 'study', just like in biology. So phycology literally means the 'study of algae', which explains its modern use as the science of algae.