metasomatism

[ met-uh-soh-muh-tiz-uh m ]
/ ˌmɛt əˈsoʊ məˌtɪz əm /

noun Geology.

the series of metamorphic processes whereby chemical changes occur in minerals or rocks as a result of the introduction of material, often in hot aqueous solutions, from external sources.
replacement(def 4).
Also met·a·so·ma·to·sis [met-uh-soh-muh-toh-sis] /ˌmɛt əˌsoʊ məˈtoʊ sɪs/.

Origin of metasomatism

First recorded in 1885–90; meta- + somat- + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM metasomatism

met·a·so·mat·ic [met-uh-soh-mat-ik] /ˌmɛt ə soʊˈmæt ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby metasomatism

metarteriole, metarubricyte, metascope, metasequoia, metasoma, metasomatism, metastable, metastasio, metastasis, metastasize, metastatic abscess

British Dictionary definitions for metasomatism

metasomatism

metasomatosis (ˌmɛtəˌsəʊməˈtəʊsɪs)

/ (ˌmɛtəˈsəʊməˌtɪzəm) /

noun

change in the composition of a rock or mineral by the addition or replacement of chemicals

Word Origin for metasomatism

C19: from New Latin; see meta-, somato-

Scientific definitions for metasomatism

metasomatism
[ mĕt′ə-sō′mə-tĭz′əm ]

The process by which the chemical composition of a rock is changed through the introduction or extraction of chemicals dissolved in fluids that migrate through the rock's pores. Metasomatism often results in the formation of new minerals, especially metal ore deposits.