paragenesis

[ par-uh-jen-uh-sis ]

nounGeology.
  1. the origin of minerals or mineral deposits in contact so as to affect one another's formation.

  2. the order in which the minerals in a rock or vein have crystallized.

Origin of paragenesis

1
From New Latin, dating back to 1850–55; see origin at para-1, genesis

Other words from paragenesis

  • par·a·ge·net·ic [par-uh-juh-net-ik], /ˌpær ə dʒəˈnɛt ɪk/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for paragenesis

paragenesis

paragenesia (ˌpærədʒɪˈniːzɪə)

/ (ˌpærəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs) /


noun
  1. a characteristic association of minerals in a particular type of rock or ore deposit

Derived forms of paragenesis

  • paragenetic (ˌpærədʒɪˈnɛtɪk), adjective
  • paragenetically, adverb

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