clast

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Word: Clast

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: In geology, a "clast" refers to a piece or fragment of rock that is part of a larger rock formation. Clasts can vary in size and are usually formed through processes like erosion, where larger rocks break down into smaller pieces.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "clast" when discussing geological formations or types of rocks, especially in contexts related to sedimentary rocks.
• It's a technical term, so it's often used in academic or scientific discussions about geology.

Example Sentence:

• "The sedimentary rock was made up of many different clasts, each representing a different type of rock from the surrounding area."

Advanced Usage:

• In geological studies, clasts are classified based on their size, shape, and mineral composition. For instance, clasts can be described as "granules," "pebbles," or "boulders," depending on their size.

Word Variants:

• Clastic: This adjective describes rocks or sediments that are composed of clasts. For example, "clastic rock" refers to rock made up of pieces from other rocks.
• Clastics: This term can refer to the study or classification of clastic materials in geology.

Different Meaning:

• While "clast" specifically refers to fragments in geology, it is not commonly used outside of this field. It does not have widely recognized meanings in other contexts.

Synonyms:

• Fragment
• Piece
• Chip
• Grain (in some contexts)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs that use "clast," as it is a specialized term in geology.

Summary:

In summary, a "clast" is an important term in geology that refers to individual fragments of rock.

Academic

Noun

1. (geology) a constituent fragment of a clastic rock