homotaxis

or ho·mo·tax·y

[ hoh-muh-tak-sis, hom-uh- ]

noun

1. a similarity of arrangement, as of geologic strata or fossil assemblages that have the same relative position but are not necessarily contemporaneous.

homotaxis

/ ˌhəʊməʊˈtæksɪs; ˌhɒm- /

noun

1. similarity of composition and arrangement in rock strata of different ages or in different regions

Derived Forms

• ˌhomoˈtaxic, adjective
• ˌhomoˈtaxially, adverb

Other Words From

• homo·taxic ho·mo·tax·i·al [hoh-m, uh, -, tak, -see-, uh, l, hom-, uh, -], adjective
• homo·taxi·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of homotaxis¹

First recorded in 1860–65; homo- + -taxis

Example Sentences

This similarity of succession has been termed homotaxis, a term which expresses the fact that the order in which the leading types of organized existence have appeared upon the earth has been similar even in widely separated regions.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the Scotland series probably belongs to the Tertiary system, but owing to the want of characteristic fossils, it is impossible to determine with any degree of certainty the precise homotaxis of the several formations.

From Project Gutenberg

But the moment the geologist has to deal with large areas, or with completely separated deposits, the mischief of confounding that "homotaxis" or "similarity of arrangement," which can be demonstrated, with "synchrony" or "identity of date," for which there is not a shadow of proof, under the one common term of "contemporaneity" becomes incalculable, and proves the constant source of gratuitous speculations.

From Project Gutenberg

Homotaxis is not to be held identical with synchronism without independent evidence.

From Project Gutenberg

The use of the word "homotaxis" instead of "synchronism" has not, so far as I know, found much favour in the eyes of geologists.

From Project Gutenberg