cataclasis

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

nounPetrology.

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

Origin of cataclasis

<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)

Other words from cataclasis

cat·a·clas·tic [kat-uh-klas-tik], /ˌkæt əˈklæs tɪk/, adjective

Words Nearby cataclasis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for cataclasis

cataclasis

/ (ˌkætəˈkleɪsɪs) /

nounplural -ses (-siːz)

geology the deformation of rocks by crushing and shearing

Origin of cataclasis

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

Derived forms of cataclasis

cataclastic (ˌkætəˈklæstɪk), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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