SKIP TO CONTENT

herpetologist

/ˌhɛrpəˈtɑləgɪst/
IPA guide

Other forms: herpetologists

A herpetologist is someone who specializes in the study of reptiles and amphibians. If it slithers around on its belly, a herpetologist will know what it is.

The word herpetologist comes from the Greek root herpeton meaning "creeping animal." When a herpetologist goes out searching for reptiles and amphibians, he is herping, or peeking under rocks and in the mud, hoping to find a slithery creature lingering there. What will he find? Turtles, snakes, alligators, salamanders, etc. These reptiles and amphibians are a herpetologist's forte.

Definitions of herpetologist
  1. noun
    a zoologist who studies reptiles and amphibians
    see moresee less
    type of:
    animal scientist, zoologist
    a specialist in the branch of biology dealing with animals
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘herpetologist'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family