n. [ Gr. 'ichqy`s, -y`os, a fish + (prob.) L. oleum oil; but cf. Ichthyolite. ] (Chem.) An oily substance prepared by the dry distillation of a bituminous mineral containing fossil fishes. It is used in medicine as a remedy in some forms of skin diseases. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]
n. [ Gr. 'ichqy`s, -y`os, a fish + -logy: cf. F. ichthyologie. ] The natural history of fishes; that branch of Zoology which relates to fishes, including their structure, classification, and habits. [ 1913 Webster ]