idiomorphic

[ id-ee-uh-mawr-fik ]

adjective

1. Also (in a rock) noting or pertaining to a mineral constituent having its own characteristic outward crystalline form unaltered by the other constituents of the rock; automorphic.
2. having its own characteristic form.

idiomorphic

/ ˌɪdɪəʊˈmɔːfɪk /

adjective

1. (of minerals) occurring naturally in the form of well-developed crystals

Derived Forms

• ˌidioˈmorphically, adverb
• ˌidioˈmorphism, noun

Other Words From

• idi·o·morphi·cal·ly adverb
• idi·o·morphism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of idiomorphic¹

1885–90; < Greek idiómorph ( os ) having an individual form ( idio-, -morphous ) + -ic

Example Sentences

Idiomorphic, id-i-o-mor′fik, adj. having a peculiar or distinctive form.

From Project Gutenberg

Many felsites contain porphyritic crystals of clear quartz in rounded blebs, more or less idiomorphic felspar, and occasionally biotite.

From Project Gutenberg

The augite is mostly a variety of diopside and is only occasionally idiomorphic.

From Project Gutenberg

Nabokov's treatment of these themes is idiomorphic; his form is flashingly and immutably his own.

From Time Magazine Archive

Typical nepheline-dolerites are scarce, and consist of idiomorphic augite, surrounded by nepheline.

From Project Gutenberg