tephrochronology

[ tef-roh-kruh-nol-uh-jee ]

noun

, Geology.

1. a geochronologic technique based on the dating of layers of volcanic ash.

Other Words From

• teph·ro·chron·o·log·i·cal [tef-roh-kron-l-, oj, -i-k, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tephrochronology¹

1940–45; < Swedish tefrokronologi, equivalent to tefr ( a ) volcanic ejecta (< Greek téphra ash) + -o- -o- + kronologi chronology