metasomatism

American  

[met-uh-soh-muh-tiz-uhm] / ˌmɛt əˈsoʊ məˌtɪz əm /

Also metasomatosis

noun

Geology.

1. 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.

2. replacement.

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metasomatism British  

/ ˌmɛtəˌsəʊməˈtəʊsɪs, ˌmɛtəˈsəʊməˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. change in the composition of a rock or mineral by the addition or replacement of chemicals

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metasomatism Scientific  

/ mĕt′ə-sō′mə-tĭz′əm /

1. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• metasomatic adjective

Etymology

Origin of metasomatism

First recorded in 1885–90; meta- + somat- + -ism

Example Sentences

How does the presence of a hot pluton contribute to the circulation of groundwater that facilitates metasomatism and hydrothermal processes?

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

A special type of metasomatism takes place where a hot pluton intrudes into carbonate rock such as limestone.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Water from a cooling body of magma, or from convection of groundwater produced by the heat of the pluton, can also lead to metasomatism, hydrothermal alteration, and accumulation of valuable minerals in the surrounding rocks.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Metamorphism in which much of the change is derived from fluids passing through the rock is known as metasomatism.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015