metamorphism
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Related to Metamorphism (geology): Contact metamorphism, Regional metamorphism, dynamic metamorphism, burial metamorphism
met·a·mor·phism
(mĕt′ə-môr′fĭz′əm)n.
The process by which rocks are altered in composition, texture, or internal structure by extreme heat, pressure, and the introduction of new chemical substances.
[metamorph(ic) + -ism.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
metamorphism
(ˌmɛtəˈmɔːfɪzəm)n
1. (Geological Science) the process by which metamorphic rocks are formed
2. a variant of metamorphosis
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
met•a•mor•phism
(ˌmɛt əˈmɔr fɪz əm)n.
a change in the constitution of a rock by natural means, as pressure and heat.
[1835–45]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
met·a·mor·phism
(mĕt′ə-môr′fĭz′əm) The process by which rocks are changed in composition, texture, or structure by extreme heat and pressure.
The American Heritage® Student Science Dictionary, Second Edition. Copyright © 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
metamorphism
1. the process of change in the form and structure of rocks by the agency of heat, water, and pressure.
2. the change of particular types of rock, as limestone into marble. Also called epigenesis. See also change. — metamorphic, adj.
See also: Geology2. the change of particular types of rock, as limestone into marble. Also called epigenesis. See also change. — metamorphic, adj.
change in form, structure, shape, appearance, etc. See also geology. — metamorphic, adj.
See also: Change-Ologies & -Isms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| Noun | 1. |  metamorphism - change in the structure of rock by natural agencies such as pressure or heat or introduction of new chemical substancesanamorphism - metamorphism that occurs deep under the earth's surface; changes simple minerals into complex minerals epigenesis - a geological change in the mineral content of rock after the rock has formed geologic process, geological process - (geology) a natural process whereby geological features are modified katamorphism - metamorphism that occurs at or near the earth's surface; breaks down complex minerals into simpler ones |
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