oryctics

From Ancient Greek ὀρυκτικός (oruktikós, “fit for digging or mining”), from ὀρυκτός (oruktós, “dug up”).

oryctics (uncountable)

1. The branch of geology relating to fossils.

   Synonym: oryctology

   • 1888 January, Robert Yelverton Tyrrell, in The Fortnightly Review, page 57:

     He added that his friend is about to sell his books and buy a spade, with a view to graduating with honours in Oryctics.

• James A. H. Murray et al., editors (1884–1928), “† Oryctics”, in A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (Oxford English Dictionary), volume VII (O–P), London: Clarendon Press, →OCLC, page 216, column 3.