cryptozoology
noun
- study of unknown, legendary, or extinct animals whose existence or survival to the present day is disputed or unsubstantiated
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˌkɹɪp.təʊ.zəʊˈɒ.lə.d͡ʒi/ / /ˌkɹɪp.təʊ.zuːˈɒ.lə.d͡ʒi/ / /ˌkɹɪp.toʊ.zoʊˈɑ.lə.d͡ʒi/
noun
Etymology: From crypto- + zoology.
- Study of cryptids, animals whose existence has not been proven.
“The Loch Ness Monster is one of the mysteries of cryptozoology.”
“This peculiar situation amplifies the reluctance of conservative scientists to objectively consider the search for hidden animals, the field of cryptozoology. […] Indeed, cryptozoology has gained increasing legitimacy in recent years.”