metamorphic

[ met-uh-mawr-fik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or characterized by change of form, or metamorphosis.
2. Geology. pertaining to or exhibiting structural change or metamorphism.

metamorphic

/ ˌmɛtəˈmɔːfɪk /

adjective

1. relating to or resulting from metamorphosis or metamorphism
2. (of rocks) altered considerably from their original structure and mineralogy by pressure and heat Compare igneous sedimentary

metamorphic

/ mĕt′ə-môr′fĭk /

1. Zoology.
   Relating to metamorphosis.
2. Geology.
   Relating to rocks that have undergone metamorphism. Metamorphic rocks are formed when igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks undergo a physical change due to extreme heat and pressure. These changes often produce folded layers or banding in the rocks, and they can also cause pockets of precious minerals to form. The folds and banding can be produced by incomplete segregation of minerals during recrystallization, or they can be inherited from preexisting beds in sedimentary rocks or preexisting layers in igneous rocks. The precious minerals can form as the result of recrystallization when the rocks undergoing metamorphism are subjected to changes in pressure and temperature.

Other Words From

• nonmet·a·morphic adjective
• premet·a·morphic adjective
• unmet·a·morphic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metamorphic¹

First recorded in 1810–20; meta- + -morphic

Example Sentences

The "erratics" comprised a great variety of metamorphic and igneous rocks, and, on a more limited scale, sedimentary types.

From Project Gutenberg

The rock here is metamorphic, the soil worthless, the scenery rugged, yet mean.

From Project Gutenberg

It occurs in beds (talc-slate), and is often met with in districts occupied by metamorphic crystalline rocks.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, highly micaceous sandstones, as they are traced into a metamorphic region, are seen to pass gradually into mica-schist.

From Project Gutenberg

There are a number of other metamorphic rocks, but those mentioned are the most commonly occurring species.

From Project Gutenberg