unconformable

[ uhn-kuhn-fawr-muh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not conformable; not conforming.
2. Geology. indicating discontinuity of any type in a stratigraphic sequence.

unconformable

/ ˌʌnkənˈfɔːməbəl /

adjective

1. not conformable or conforming
2. (of rock strata) consisting of a series of younger strata that do not succeed the underlying older rocks in age or in parallel position, as a result of a long period of erosion or nondeposition

Derived Forms

• ˌunconˈformably, adverb
• ˌunconˌformaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• uncon·forma·bili·ty noun
• uncon·forma·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unconformable¹

First recorded in 1585–95; un- ¹ + conformable

Example Sentences

Geologists like to say that New Jersey’s coastal plain sits “unconformably” atop this Paleozoic base.

From New York Times

It is critical at a time of public health crisis to be aware of the line between panic and preparation, to speak tough and unconformable truths without being alarmist.

From Washington Times

The whole is overlaid unconformably by the younger Tertiaries of Hundes, which are perfectly horizontal and have been quite unaffected by any of the folds.

From Project Gutenberg

The piers of the tower are, as I have said, unmistakably Norman, but upon them are set, quite unconformably, arches at least a century later in date.

From Project Gutenberg

The Pliocene is of marine origin, and rests unconformably upon all the older beds, including the Post-oligocene igneous rocks, thus proving that the final folding and the last volcanic outbursts were approximately of Miocene age.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abhorrent
• abominable
• contradictory
• disgusting
• distasteful
• incompatible
• objectionable
• odious
• revolting
• vile