— archaeologist , n.
/ahr'kee ol"euh jee/ , n.
1. the scientific study of historic or prehistoric peoples and their cultures by analysis of their artifacts, inscriptions, monuments, and other such remains, esp. those that have been excavated.
2. Rare. ancient history; the study of antiquity.
Also, archeology .
[ 1600-10; archaiología the discussion of antiquities. See ARCHAEO-, -LOGY ]