uniformitarianism

American  

[yoo-nuh-fawrm-i-tair-ee-uhn-iz-uhm] / ˌju nəˌfɔrm ɪˈtɛər i ənˌɪz əm /

noun

1. the theory that geological or biological changes on earth have been caused by gradual, ongoing processes or local events, rather than by large-scale or global catastrophicevents such as a worldwide flood. Contrasts with catastrophism.

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uniformitarianism British  

/ ˌjuːnɪˌfɔːmɪˈtɛərɪəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the concept that the earth's surface was shaped in the past by gradual processes, such as erosion, and by small sudden changes, such as earthquakes, of the type acting today rather than by the sudden divine acts, such as the flood survived by Noah (Genesis 6–8), demanded by the doctrine of catastrophism

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uniformitarianism Scientific  

/ yo̅o̅′nə-fôr′mĭ-târ′ē-ə-nĭz′əm /

1. The theory that all geologic phenomena may be explained as the result of existing forces having operated uniformly from the origin of the Earth to the present time.

2. See Note at Lyell

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

uniformitarianism

In the 1920s, mainstream geologists rigidly believed in uniformitarianism — the idea that geological features could only form over thousands or millions of years.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 2, 2024

The proponents of uniformitarianism and catastrophism were at odds with each other for much of the past two centuries, with convincing arguments being made by both sides.

From Scientific American ● Aug. 9, 2019

Lyell’s books promoted Hutton’s principle of uniformitarianism, his studies of rocks and the processes that formed them, and the idea that Earth was possibly over 300 million years old.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2017

The proposals also go against the grain of one of geology's founding principles: uniformitarianism, which states that planets are shaped by gradual, ongoing processes.

From Nature ● Jan. 30, 2013

In a certain sense, the first hypothesis recalls the doctrine of uniformitarianism, which Hutton and Lyell had shaped from a rational interpretation of the present conditions of nature.

From Thomas Henry Huxley; A Sketch Of His Life And Work by P. Chalmers (Peter Chalmers) Mitchell