METAMORPHISM

Pronunciation (US): (GB):

Meaning:

Change in the structure of rock by natural agencies such as pressure or heat or introduction of new chemical substances

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural processes

Hypernyms ("metamorphism" is a kind of...):

geologic process; geological process ((geology) a natural process whereby geological features are modified)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "metamorphism"):

anamorphism (metamorphism that occurs deep under the earth's surface; changes simple minerals into complex minerals)

epigenesis (a geological change in the mineral content of rock after the rock has formed)

katamorphism (metamorphism that occurs at or near the earth's surface; breaks down complex minerals into simpler ones)