metasomatism
the series of metamorphic processes whereby chemical changes occur in minerals or rocks as a result of the introduction of material, often in hot aqueous solutions, from external sources.
Origin of metasomatism
1- Also met·a·so·ma·to·sis [met-uh-soh-muh-toh-sis] /ˌmɛt əˌsoʊ məˈtoʊ sɪs/ .
Other words from metasomatism
- met·a·so·mat·ic [met-uh-soh-mat-ik], /ˌmɛt ə soʊˈmæt ɪk/, adjective
Words Nearby metasomatism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
British Dictionary definitions for metasomatism
metasomatosis (ˌmɛtəˌsəʊməˈtəʊsɪs)
/ (ˌmɛtəˈsəʊməˌtɪzəm) /
change in the composition of a rock or mineral by the addition or replacement of chemicals
Origin of metasomatism
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for metasomatism
[ mĕt′ə-sō′mə-tĭz′əm ]
The process by which the chemical composition of a rock is changed through the introduction or extraction of chemicals dissolved in fluids that migrate through the rock's pores. Metasomatism often results in the formation of new minerals, especially metal ore deposits.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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