xenomorphic

[ zen-uh-mawr-fik, zee-nuh- ]

adjective

1. Also Petrography. noting or pertaining to a mineral grain that does not have its characteristic crystalline form but has a form impressed on it by surrounding grains; anhedral.
2. in an unusual form; having a strange form.

xenomorphic

/ ˌzɛnəˈmɔːfɪk /

adjective

1. (of a mineral constituent of an igneous rock) not having its characteristic crystal shape because of deforming pressure from adjacent minerals

Derived Forms

• ˌxenoˈmorphically, adverb

Other Words From

• xeno·morphi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of xenomorphic¹

First recorded in 1885–90; xeno- + -morphic