congelifraction

[ kuhn-jel-uh-frak-shuhn ]

noun

, Geology.

1. the shattering or splitting of rock or frozen soil due to the action of frost.

Word History and Origins

Origin of congelifraction¹

congelifract (< Latin congel ( āre ) ( congeal ) + -i- + Latin fract ( us ) broken; fracture ) + -ion