The word "geology" originates from the Greek language. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "geo" meaning "earth" and "logos" meaning "study" or "knowledge." Therefore, "geology" literally translates to "the study of the earth." The term was first used in the late 18th century to refer to the scientific study of the Earth's structure, composition, processes, and history. Geology encompasses various sub-disciplines, including mineralogy, petrology, geomorphology, paleontology, and many others, all focusing on different aspects of the Earth and its geological features.