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Petrologist: meaning, definitions and examples

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petrologist

 

[ ˌpɛtrəˈlɒdʒɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

scientific profession

A petrologist is a geologist who specializes in the study of rocks, their origins, composition, and transformation. They analyze the physical and chemical properties of rock samples to understand the processes that formed them. This study can include examining igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Petrologists often work in laboratories, but they also conduct fieldwork to gather samples for their research. Their work is crucial for resource management, environmental studies, and understanding Earth’s history.

Synonyms

geologist, rock scientist.

Examples of usage

  • The petrologist collected rock samples for further analysis.
  • A petrologist can identify the mineral composition of various rocks.
  • Many universities offer degrees in geology with a focus on petrology.

Translations

Translations of the word "petrologist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 petrologista

🇮🇳 पेट्रोलॉजिस्ट

🇩🇪 Petrologe

🇮🇩 petrolog

🇺🇦 петролог

🇵🇱 petrolog

🇯🇵 岩石学者

🇫🇷 pétrologue

🇪🇸 petólogo

🇹🇷 petrolog

🇰🇷 암석학자

🇸🇦 جيولوجي الصخور

🇨🇿 petrolog

🇸🇰 petrolog

🇨🇳 岩石学家

🇸🇮 petrolog

🇮🇸 bergfræðingur

🇰🇿 петролог

🇬🇪 პეტროლოგი

🇦🇿 petrolog

🇲🇽 petrólogo

Etymology

The term 'petrologist' originates from the Greek word 'petra,' which means 'rock,' combined with the suffix '-logist,' derived from 'logos,' meaning 'study' or 'science.' The study of rocks has roots in ancient geology, but the formal discipline of petrology began to develop in the 18th century as scientists sought to classify minerals and understand Earth's materials better. As the field evolved, petrologists adapted techniques from chemistry and physics to analyze rocks more accurately. Industrial advancements in the 19th and 20th centuries further expanded the importance of petrology due to its applications in mining, oil exploration, and environmental science.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,384, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.