archaeology
n. uncountablen. the study of human history by digging up and looking at objects from the past. It helps us understand how people lived thousands of years ago by examining their buildings and tools.
n. the scientific study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains.
She decided to study archaeology to learn about ancient Egypt.
The new highway project was delayed after workers discovered a site of significant interest to local archaeology.
Modern archaeology relies as much on satellite imaging and chemical analysis as it does on the traditional methods of careful excavation and manual cataloging.
From Ancient Greek ἀρχαιολογία (arkhaiología, “antiquarian lore, ancient legends, history”), from ἀρχαῖος (arkhaîos, “primal, old, ancient”) + λόγος (lógos, “speech, oration, study”). By surface analysis, archaeo- + -logy.
Uncountable when referring to the field of study; occasionally used as a countable noun to refer to the specific remains of a particular culture.