diagenesis

[ dahy-uh-jen-uh-sis ]
/ ˌdaɪ əˈdʒɛn ə sɪs /

noun Geology.

the physical and chemical changes occurring in sediments between the times of deposition and solidification.

Origin of diagenesis

From New Latin, dating back to 1885–90; see origin at dia-, -genesis

OTHER WORDS FROM diagenesis

di·a·ge·net·ic [dahy-uh-juh-net-ik] /ˌdaɪ ə dʒəˈnɛt ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby diagenesis

diadochokinesia, diadochy, diadromous, diaeresis, diag., diagenesis, diageotropic, diageotropism, diaghilev, diagnose, diagnosis

British Dictionary definitions for diagenetic

diagenesis
/ (ˌdaɪəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs) /

noun

the sum of the physical, chemical, and biological changes that take place in sediments as they become consolidated into rocks, including compaction and cementation, but excluding weathering and metamorphic changes
chem recrystallization of a solid to form large crystal grains from smaller ones

Derived forms of diagenesis

diagenetic (ˌdaɪədʒəˈnɛtɪk), adjective

Scientific definitions for diagenetic

diagenesis
[ dī′ə-jĕn′ĭ-sĭs ]

The process by which sediment undergoes chemical and physical changes during its lithification (conversion to rock). Compaction, leaching, cementation, and recrystallization are all forms of diagenesis. Erosion and metamorphism are not. Oil, gas, and coal form through the diagenesis of organic sedimentary matter.