malacology
/ˌmæləˈkɑlədʒi/
noun
- The branch of zoology that studies mollusks, including snails, clams, squid, and octopuses.
- Malacology helps scientists understand the diversity of marine and freshwater life.
- The museum's malacology department has a huge collection of snail shells.
- She decided to specialize in malacology after collecting seashells as a child.