cataclasis

[ kat-uh-kley-sis, kuh-tak-luh-sis ]

noun

, Petrology.

1. a process of deformation or metamorphism in which the grains of a rock are fractured and rotated.

cataclasis

/ ˌkætəˈkleɪsɪs; ˌkætəˈklæstɪk /

noun

1. geology the deformation of rocks by crushing and shearing

Derived Forms

• cataclastic, adjective

Other Words From

• cat·a·clas·tic [kat-, uh, -, klas, -tik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cataclasis¹

< Greek katáklasis refraction, equivalent to katakla-, stem of kataklân to break off, refract, break down ( kata- cata- + klân to break) + -sis -sis; compare Norwegian kataklasstruktur (1885)

Word History and Origins

Origin of cataclasis¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek, from cata- + klasis a breaking