plutonism

[ ploot-n-iz-uhm ]

noun

, Geology.

1. the intrusion of magma and associated deep-seated processes within the earth's crust.
2. (often initial capital letter) the disproven theory that all rocks formed by solidification of a molten mass, promulgated by Scottish geologist James Hutton (1726–97).

Other Words From

• pluto·nist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of plutonism¹

First recorded in 1840–50; pluton(ic) + -ism