paramorph

[ par-uh-mawrf ]

noun

, Mineralogy.

1. a pseudomorph formed by a change in crystal structure but not in chemical composition.

paramorph

/ ˈpærəˌmɔːf /

noun

1. a mineral that has undergone paramorphism
2. a plant or animal that is classified on the basis of inadequate data and differs taxonomically from other members of the species in which it has been placed

Derived Forms

• ˌparaˈmorphic, adjective

Other Words From

• para·morphic para·morphous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paramorph¹

First recorded in 1875–80; para- ¹ + -morph