A scientist who studies fossils; a specialist in fossilology or paleontology (archaic term).
From fossilology + -ist (Greek -istes 'one who practices'). Follows the pattern of -logist compounds like 'biologist' or 'geologist'.
This word is beautifully out-of-date—scientists prefer 'paleontologist' now—but 'fossilologist' shows how English can keep building longer, more specific words, even when shorter ones exist. Language is actually more interesting when it has these overlooked alternatives!
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