Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
One-word substitution questions evaluate your knowledge of specialized nomenclature. Many terms for scientific fields, hobbies, and professions are constructed from Greek or Latin roots. Identifying these roots allows you to categorize and define words accurately.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the precise etymology and meaning of each option:
- Ornithologist (Option A): Derived from the Greek roots ornithos (bird) + logos (study). An ornithologist is a scientist who studies birds.
- Philatelist (Option B): Derived from the Greek roots philos (loving/lovingly) + ateleia (exemption from tax/prepaid charge, which a postage stamp signifies). A philatelist is a person who collects or studies postage stamps and postal history as a hobby.
- Numismatist (Option C): Derived from the Latin word numisma, meaning coin. A numismatist is a person who collects or studies coins, tokens, or paper currency.
- Graphologist (Option D): Derived from the Greek roots graphē (writing) + logos (study). A graphologist is an expert who studies handwriting, especially for character analysis.
This analysis confirms that option (B) is the correct term.
Step 3: Final Answer:
A person who studies or collects postage stamps is called a Philatelist.