IPA: /faɪˈkɒlədʒɪst/
KK: /faɪˈkɒlədʒɪst/
A person who studies algae, which are simple plants that grow in water.
The phycologist conducted research on the effects of pollution on local algae species.
Phycologist is formed from "phyco-" (from Greek "phykon", meaning seaweed or algae) and "-logist" (from Greek "logia", meaning study or science). A phycologist is someone who studies algae and seaweeds.
Think of 'phyco-' relating to seaweed and 'logist' meaning someone who studies — a phycologist is a person who studies seaweeds.