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anamorphism

American  
[an-uh-mawr-fiz-uhm] / ˌæn əˈmɔr fɪz əm /

noun

Geology.
  1. metamorphism, usually occurring deep under the earth's surface, that changes simple minerals to complex minerals.


anamorphism British  
/ ˌænəˈmɔːˌfɪzəm /

noun

  1. intense metamorphism of a rock in which high-density complex minerals are formed from simpler minerals of lower density

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of anamorphism

First recorded in 1830–40; ana- + -morphism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In other words, anamorphism tends toward the reproduction of igneous rocks, though it seldom fully accomplishes this result.

From The Economic Aspect of Geology by Leith, C. K. (Charles Kenneth)

Nor is this all; for there are those who see an entire world, but see it distorted as an anamorphism.

From A Hero and Some Other Folks by Quayle, William A. (William Alfred)

Huxley seems to use the term anamorphism in a sense differing from that of some writers.

From More Letters of Charles Darwin — Volume 1 by Darwin, Francis, Sir

Slate is a more dense and crystalline rock, produced usually by the anamorphism of clay or shale under pressure, and characterized by a fine cleavage which is usually inclined to the sedimentary bedding.

From The Economic Aspect of Geology by Leith, C. K. (Charles Kenneth)

If, however, all Cephalous Mollusks...be only modifications by excess or defect of the parts of a definite archetype, then, I think, it follows as a necessary consequence, that no anamorphism takes place in this group.

From More Letters of Charles Darwin — Volume 1 by Darwin, Francis, Sir