xenomorphic

[ zen-uh-mawr-fik, zee-nuh- ]
/ ˌzɛn əˈmɔr fɪk, ˌzi nə- /

adjective

Also allotriomorphic. Petrography. noting or pertaining to a mineral grain that does not have its characteristic crystalline form but has a form impressed on it by surrounding grains; anhedral.
in an unusual form; having a strange form.

Origin of xenomorphic

First recorded in 1885–90; xeno- + -morphic

OTHER WORDS FROM xenomorphic

xen·o·mor·phi·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby xenomorphic

xenogenesis, xenogenic, xenoglossia, xenograft, xenolith, xenomorphic, xenon, xenon arc, xenon hexafluoride, xenon tetrafluoride, xenon trioxide

British Dictionary definitions for xenomorphic

xenomorphic
/ (ˌzɛnəˈmɔːfɪk) /

adjective

(of a mineral constituent of an igneous rock) not having its characteristic crystal shape because of deforming pressure from adjacent minerals

Derived forms of xenomorphic

xenomorphically, adverb