hyatt

IPA/hˈaɪat/
KK[hˈaɪət]IPA/hˈaɪət/

hyatt — noun

1. Alpheus Hyatt (1838–1902), an American scientist who studied the fossilised rema

1.noun
Definition

Alpheus Hyatt (1838–1902), an American scientist who studied the fossilised remains of ancient sea creatures, especially ammonites, and helped develop the field of invertebrate paleontology.

Example

Hyatt's work on ammonites showed how these sea creatures changed their shell shapes over time.

possessive: Hyatt's work on [topic]

Hyatt's collection at the Boston Society of Natural History holds over ten thousand fossil specimens.

noun modifier: Hyatt collection at [institution]

Common collocations
  • Hyatt's research on ammonites
  • Hyatt's collection
  • the work of Hyatt
  • Hyatt's contributions to paleontology

Usage Note

This entry refers to the surname of Alpheus Hyatt, a 19th-century American naturalist. Do not confuse with the hotel chain Hyatt, which is a different surname with the same spelling. In academic writing, 'Hyatt' is almost always capitalised and used without an article.

Common Mistakes

I stayed at a Hyatt while studying fossils.
I read about Hyatt's ammonite research while studying fossils.
In science writing, Hyatt refers to the naturalist, not the hotel chain.

Etymology

Norman FrenchEnglish

Hyatt is an English surname of Norman origin, derived from the Old French personal name 'Hugh' combined with the diminutive suffix '-et', meaning 'little Hugh'. The surname was brought to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Alpheus Hyatt, the 19th-century American naturalist, shared this surname with other notable figures, including the hotel chain founder.