petrogenesis

[ pe-troh-jen-uh-sis ]

noun

1. the branch of petrology dealing with the origin and formation of rocks.
2. the origin and formation of rocks.

petrogenesis

/ pĕt′rō-jĕn′ĭ-sĭs /

1. The branch of petrology that deals with the origin and formation of rocks, especially igneous rocks.

Other Words From

• pet·ro·ge·net·ic [pe-troh-j, uh, -, net, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrogenesis¹

First recorded in 1900–05; petro- ¹ + -genesis