metasomatism

[ met-uh-soh-muh-tiz-uhm ]

noun

, Geology.

1. 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.
2. replacement ( def 4 ).

metasomatism

/ ˌmɛtəˌsəʊməˈtəʊsɪs; ˌmɛtəˈsəʊməˌtɪzəm /

noun

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

metasomatism

/ mĕt′ə-sō′mə-tĭz′əm /

1. 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.

Other Words From

• met·a·so·mat·ic [met-, uh, -soh-, mat, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metasomatism¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of metasomatism¹

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