plutonism

[ ploot-n-iz-uh m ]

/ ˈplut nˌɪz əm /

noun Geology.

the intrusion of magma and associated deep-seated processes within the earth's crust.

(often initial capital letter) the disproven theory that all rocks formed by solidification of a molten mass, promulgated by Scottish geologist James Hutton (1726–97).

Nearby words

plutocrat, plutocratic, pluton, plutonian, plutonic, plutonism, plutonium, plutus, pluvial, pluviometer, pluvious

Origin of plutonism

First recorded in 1840–50; pluton(ic) + -ism

Related forms

plu·to·nist, noun