A very cool word: taphonomic
I came across this word in a recent paper in PNAS on the subject of a famous Neanderthal burial site at La Chapelle aux Saints that I just couldn't help opening while browsing the journal.
PNAS, Vol.111, Iss.1, pp. 81-86 (2014). Evidence supporting an intentional Neandertal burial at La Chapelle-aux-Saints
Here's the context:
In light of this evidence, reassessment of the burial question is needed to better characterize the Neandertal cultural package. Here, we report on archaeological evidence from the La Chapelle-aux-Saints burial, derived from taphonomic analysis of the LCS1 skeleton, as well as the study of the geological context of the deposit. These data provide insights relevant to the archaeological context of the Paleolithic human occupations at La Chapelle-aux-Saints, and they support previous claims for the existence of intentional burial. By so doing, they buttress claims for complex symbolic behavior among Western European Neandertals.
Taphonomy is the study of decaying organisms over time and the process of fossilization over time, if it occurs.
It's a cool word, I think. I recommend that the next time that you have people over for wine and cheese or whatever, you use this word in a conversation.
I don't know why, but I just had to tell you about this word.
= new reply since forum marked as read
...this would apply nicely to certain elected officials in hyperbole. 
It is so kind, of you to opine, so I, in kind, reflect and comment on your good taste and perspicuity. 
I have been cited in two books for some photos I took related to this subject (and one photo published). Another related word is diagenisis.
Another cool word used in archaeology is bioturbation. I love that one.
ok I know, I am weird. 
Both diagenisis and bioturbation brought up very interesting results. If I come back as a human 
, I will major in archaeology or at least, geology.
dead bull 
(not positive, though)
