cataclasis

[ kat-uh-kley-sis, kuh-tak-luh-sis ]
/ ˌkæt əˈkleɪ sɪs, kəˈtæk lə sɪs /

noun Petrology.

a process of deformation or metamorphism in which the grains of a rock are fractured and rotated.

Origin of cataclasis

< Greek katáklasis refraction, equivalent to katakla-, stem of kataklân to break off, refract, break down ( kata- cata- + klân to break) + -sis -sis; compare Norwegian kataklasstruktur (1885)

OTHER WORDS FROM cataclasis

cat·a·clas·tic [kat-uh-klas-tik] /ˌkæt əˈklæs tɪk/, adjective

Words nearby cataclasis

catabolite gene activator protein, catabolize, catacaustic, catachresis, catachronobiology, cataclasis, cataclastic, cataclinal, cataclysm, cataclysmic, catacomb

British Dictionary definitions for cataclastic

cataclasis
/ (ˌkætəˈkleɪsɪs) /

noun plural -ses (-siːz)

geology the deformation of rocks by crushing and shearing

Derived forms of cataclasis

cataclastic (ˌkætəˈklæstɪk), adjective

Word Origin for cataclasis

C19: New Latin, from Greek, from cata- + klasis a breaking

Scientific definitions for cataclastic

cataclastic
[ kăt′ə-klăs′tĭk ]

Relating to rocks consisting of cemented fragments that originate from the mechanical breakdown of rock associated with plate tectonic processes. Cataclastic rocks form in regions that have undergone intense metamorphism and are associated with other metamorphic features such as folds and faults. They typically contain bent, broken, and granular minerals.