katamorphism

[ kat-uh-mawr-fiz-uhm ]

noun

, Geology.

1. metamorphism at or near the earth's surface: breaks down complex minerals into simpler ones.

Other Words From

• kata·morphic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of katamorphism¹

First recorded in 1900–05; kata- + -morphism

Example Sentences

Katamorphism or weathering, in place, has played an important part in enriching them.

From Project Gutenberg

The zone in which katamorphism is most active, usually near the surface, is called the zone of katamorphism.

From Project Gutenberg

A given rock may be undergoing katamorphism while rocks on either side at the same depth are suffering anamorphism.

From Project Gutenberg

Katamorphism is primarily responsible for most of the deposits of silica which are commercially used.

From Project Gutenberg