What is the etymology of meteorology?
Certainly readers are aware of the meaning of “forensic,” which Webster defines as “belonging to, used in, or suitable to courts of judicature or to public discussion and debate.” But what about the term “meteorologist?” While I suspect readers also are familiar with the term, its derivation may be suspect. After all, shouldn’t a meteorologist be someone who studies things in space, like meteors? A meteorologist is a person who, through an accredited institution, has earned a degree in meteorology (also known as atmospheric science). Meteorology is the study of the processes and motions that take place in the atmosphere. When retaining a weather expert, it is certainly recommended that person hold a degree in atmospheric science. As for the derivation of the term, “meteorologist” originated from the ancient Greeks who named the study of heavenly phenomena “meteorologica” and called raindrops, hailstones and snowflakes “meteoron,” meaning “thing in the air.” During this time, meteorolog
What is the etymology of meteorology?