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metamorphism

[ met-uh-mawr-fiz-uhm ]

noun

  1. Geology. a change in the structure or constitution of a rock due to natural agencies, as pressure and heat, especially when the rock becomes harder and more completely crystalline.
  2. Archaic. metamorphosis.


metamorphism

/ ˌmɛtəˈmɔːfɪzəm /

noun

  1. the process by which metamorphic rocks are formed
  2. a variant of metamorphosis
“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


metamorphism

/ mĕt′ə-môrfĭz′əm /

  1. The process by which rocks are changed in composition, texture, or structure by extreme heat and pressure.
  2. ◆ In prograde metamorphism metamorphic rocks that were formed under low pressure and temperature conditions undergo a second metamorphic event in which they are exposed to higher pressures and temperatures.
  3. ◆ In retrograde metamorphism metamorphic rocks that were formed under high pressure and temperature conditions undergo a second metamorphic event in which they are exposed to lower pressures and temperatures.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of metamorphism1

First recorded in 1835–45; meta- + -morphism
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Example Sentences

The Weverton sandstone has suffered less from metamorphism than any of the sediments.

The metamorphism of the igneous rocks is regional in nature and has the same increase from west to east as the sediments.

Some further remarks upon the subject will be found in the sequel under the heading of Metamorphism.

Often no granite or other intrusive rock is present which may be regarded as the cause of the metamorphism.

More than one epoch of metamorphism has perhaps occurred, and the entire record now accessible is exceedingly complicated.

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metamorphic rockmetamorphose