Pavlov

/ˈpæv.lɔf/ noun

Definition

A reference to Ivan Pavlov, the Russian scientist famous for discovering classical conditioning through his experiments with dogs.

Etymology

A proper noun from Russian surname Pavlov. While not etymologically derived, the word entered common usage through the scientist's revolutionary work in behavioral psychology.

Kelly Says

Pavlov actually won a Nobel Prize in 1904 for his work on digestive systems, but his accidental discovery of classical conditioning (when his dogs started salivating at the sound of a bell) became infinitely more famous than his original research!

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