metamorphism

[ met-uh-mawr-fiz-uh m ]
/ ˌmɛt əˈmɔr fɪz əm /

noun

Geology. a change in the structure or constitution of a rock due to natural agencies, as pressure and heat, especially when the rock becomes harder and more completely crystalline.
Archaic. metamorphosis.

Origin of metamorphism

First recorded in 1835–45; meta- + -morphism

Words nearby metamorphism

metamerism, metamict, metamorphic, metamorphic facies, metamorphic rock, metamorphism, metamorphopsia, metamorphose, metamorphoses, metamorphosis, metamorphosis, the

Example sentences from the Web for metamorphism

British Dictionary definitions for metamorphism

metamorphism
/ (ˌmɛtəˈmɔːfɪzəm) /

noun

the process by which metamorphic rocks are formed
a variant of metamorphosis

Scientific definitions for metamorphism

metamorphism
[ mĕt′ə-môr′fĭz′əm ]

The process by which rocks are changed in composition, texture, or structure by extreme heat and pressure.♦ In prograde metamorphism metamorphic rocks that were formed under low pressure and temperature conditions undergo a second metamorphic event in which they are exposed to higher pressures and temperatures.♦ In retrograde metamorphism metamorphic rocks that were formed under high pressure and temperature conditions undergo a second metamorphic event in which they are exposed to lower pressures and temperatures. See more at contact metamorphism regional metamorphism.