Definition: One who studies and reptiles and amphibians, including their anatomy, physiology, behavior, and classification. Generally refers to someone with academic training in zoology who specializes in the study of reptiles and amphibians. Contrast to "herpetoculturist" which refers to someone who raises reptiles and/or amphibians in captivity as pets.
Pronunciation: herp-peh-tol-i-gist
Examples:
The famous herpetologist went to the jungle to study a rare new lizard species.