Herpetological

/ˌhɜrpɪtəˈlɑdʒɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the scientific study and classification of reptiles and amphibians.

Etymology

From 'herpetology' (study of reptiles) plus '-ical' (relating to). The '-ical' variant is more common in English than '-ic' for formal scientific terminology.

Kelly Says

Scientists often use both '-ic' and '-ical' versions of words interchangeably, but '-ical' tends to feel more formal and academic—compare 'historic' to 'historical'!

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