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.

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[metamorph(ic) + -ism.]

metamorphism

(ˌmɛtəˈmɔːfɪzəm)

n

1. (Geological Science) the process by which metamorphic rocks are formed

2. a variant of metamorphosis

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]

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.

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: Geology

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change in form, structure, shape, appearance, etc. See also geology. — metamorphic, adj.

See also: Change

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

metamorphism - change in the structure of rock by natural agencies such as pressure or heat or introduction of new chemical substances anamorphism - 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