clastic
Americanadjective
-
Biology. breaking up into fragments or separate portions; dividing into parts.
-
pertaining to an anatomical model made up of detachable pieces.
-
Geology. noting or pertaining to rock or rocks composed of fragments or particles of older rocks or previously existing solid matter; fragmental.
adjective
-
(of sedimentary rock, etc) composed of fragments of pre-existing rock that have been transported some distance from their points of origin
-
biology dividing into parts
a clastic cell
-
able to be dismantled for study or observation
a clastic model of the brain
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of clastic
1870–75; < Greek klastós broken in pieces ( klas- variant stem of klân to break + -tos verbal adjective suffix) + -ic
Vocabulary lists containing clastic
Earth Science - Middle School
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Earth Science - High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Rocks and Minerals - Middle School and High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Biochemical and organic sediments are clastic in the sense that they are made from pieces of organic material that are deposited, buried, and lithified; however, they are usually classified as being chemically produced.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017
The Slave Craton is dominated by granitic rocks and metamorphosed clastic sedimentary rocks.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015
Some examples of clastic sedimentary rocks are shown on Figure 6.8.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015
There is some overlap between the two because almost all clastic sedimentary rocks contain cement formed from dissolved ions, and many chemical sedimentary rocks include some clasts.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015
The sedimentary epidosites occur with mica-schists, sheared grits and granulitic gneisses; they often show, on minute examination, the remains of clastic structures.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 "English Language" to "Epsom Salts" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
