zoologyhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zoology_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezoology, n.
Revised 2017

zoologynoun

  1. 1.
    1663–
    The branch of natural history or biology dealing with animals; the scientific study of the morphology, classification, physiology, behaviour, and distribution of animals or (with distinguishing word) of a specific group of animals.
    In quot. 1669: †a branch of medical science dealing with medicines derived from animals (obsolete).
    marine zoology: see the first element.
    1. 1663
      Of the use of Zoology to the Knowledg of Diseases.
      R. Boyle, Some Considerations Usefulnesse Experimental Natural Philosophy ii. Index sig. fff3/2
    2. 1669
      Zoology [Latin Zoologia] is a Part of Pharmacy, that shews what Medicines are to be taken from Animals.
      W. Rowland, translation of J. Schroeder, Compl. Chymical Dispensatory v. 506/1
    3. 1678
      And Mr. Ralph Johnson.., a Person of singular skill in Zoology, especially the History of Birds,..communicated to us his Method of Birds.
      J. Ray in translation of F. Willughby, Ornithology Preface sig. (a)
    4. 1717
      Be dere any secret in the Hydrology, Zoology, Minerology, Hydraulicks, Acausticks, Pneumaticks, Logarithmatechny, dat you do want de Explanation of?
      J. Gay, Three Hours after Marriage ii. 41
    5. 1787
      In the study of Zoology the subject of Comparative Anatomy deserves particular attention.
      R. Kentish, Ess. Method of studying Natural History 108
    6. 1802
      But as mineralogy is a far more difficult science than zoölogy or botany, it was to be expected that it should be the last in the progression of the three natural kingdoms.
      Critical Review February 121
    7. 1874
      John Ray was the first to raise zoology to the rank of a science.
      J. R. Green, Short History of English People ix. §1. 599
    8. 1940
      The first task of a writer on invertebrate zoology is to discuss the main properties of animal protoplasm and to describe the organisation of the typical animal cell.
      G. S. Carter, General Zoology of Invertebrates p. v
    9. 1994
      This may seem strange guidance, coming from a man who didn't believe in God, given to a son who wasn't glaringly devout and who had a more obvious calling in zoology.
      R. Wright, Moral Animal (1995) i. 21
    10. 2007
      The detailed observation of animal grooming systems in zoology originated some forty years ago from small specialist studies.
      V. Smith, Clean i. 17
  2. 2.
    1724–
    A work dealing with the natural history or biology of animals; esp. a fauna (fauna n. 2). Occasionally also: †a system of zoology (obsolete).
    1. 1724
      Zoology, a Treatise concerning living Creatures.
      N. Bailey, Universal Etymological English Dictionary (ed. 2)
    2. 1852
      ‘Dogs bark’: this was erst of necessary matter; ‘dogs’ were then ‘all dogs’... Since an observation of the dogs of Labrador (I think), the proposition, as in our zoologies, so in our logics, has fallen to contingent matter.
      W. Hamilton, Discussions on Philosophy & Literature 158
    3. 1860
      For figures of shells, with the live mollusk, I have resorted chiefly to the zoologies of exploring expeditions.
      L. Reeve, Elements Conchol. Preface p. v
    4. 1911
      A book which is so praiseworthy in its recognition of the animal mind, kept by most ‘zoologies’ at a distance.
      Nature 11 May 340/2
    5. 2007
      White had read Buffon's zoology, with its more heterodox speculations on the workings of nature.
      D. Donald, Picturing Animals in Britain i. 51/1
  3. 3.
    1746–
    The animals of a specific region, geological period, etc.; = fauna n. 1.
    1. 1746
      The Egyptian Zoology therefore, no less than that of the neighbouring Parts of Africa and Palestine, deserves to be further inquired into.
      T. Shaw, Suppl. to Trav. & Observ. vi. 73
    2. 1839
      The zoology of Tierra del Fuego..is very poor... There is one bat, a mouse, [etc.].
      C. Darwin in R. Fitzroy & C. Darwin, Narrative of Surveying Voyages H.M.S. Adventure & Beagle vol. III. xiii. 300
    3. 1882
      The zoology of the continent varies in certain portions, which can be considered as Australian sub-provinces.
      J. E. Tenison-Woods, Natural History New South Wales 49
    4. 1910
      The recognition..of this parallel with the Old World giraffes was a most interesting contribution to the Miocene zoölogy of America.
      H. F. Osborn, Age of Mammals 293
    5. 1991
      His commission served as a convenient cover for his yearning to study the geology, geography, and zoology of Russia's vast interior.
      S. J. Gould, Bully for Brontosaurus xxii. 337
    6. 2004
      Hodgson was fully aware of the excellence of his artists' work and pointed this out in his letters and public announcements about his proposed book on the zoology of Nepal.
      A. Datta & C. Inskipp in D. M. Waterhouse, Origins Himalayan Studies 138

zoology, n. was revised in June 2017.

zoology, n. was last modified in March 2025.