metamorphic

/,metə'mɔ:fik/

Thân thiện

Marble is a classic example of a metamorphic rock.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characterized by change in form or substance: Describes something that has undergone a significant transformation in its physical structure or nature.
   • Relating to geological metamorphism: Specifically refers to rocks that have been transformed by heat, pressure, or chemical processes deep within the Earth's crust.

Usage

• The word metamorphic is primarily used in scientific contexts, especially geology and biology.
• It describes the result or the process of a profound, structural change.
• It is an attributive adjective, most commonly placed before a noun (e.g., ).

Examples

• General/Geological Context:
  • Slate and gneiss are classic examples of metamorphic rocks.
  • The intense heat and pressure created a metamorphic zone in the mountain core.
• Biological/Figurative Context:
  • The caterpillar's metamorphic process into a butterfly is a marvel of nature.
  • The artist's style underwent a metamorphic shift during her career.

Advanced Usage

• "Metamorphic facies": A set of metamorphic mineral assemblages that were formed under similar pressures and temperatures.
  • The geologist identified the blueschist metamorphic facies in the sample.
• "Metamorphic grade": Refers to the intensity of metamorphism, often indicating the temperature and pressure conditions.
  • The rock's high metamorphic grade suggests it was formed deep underground.

Variants and Related Words

• Metamorphism (n): The process by which rocks are altered in composition, texture, or internal structure by extreme heat, pressure, and the introduction of new chemical substances.
  • Regional metamorphism affects large areas of the Earth's crust.
• Metamorphose (v): To change in form or nature; to undergo metamorphosis.
  • The tadpole will eventually metamorphose into a frog.

Synonyms

• Transformational: Relating to a marked change in form or appearance.
• Transmuted: Changed in form, nature, or substance.

Antonyms

• Igneous: (In geology) Denoting rock formed by solidification from a molten state.
• Sedimentary: (In geology) Denoting rock formed by the accumulation and consolidation of sediment.
• Unchanging: Remaining the same; not changing.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. characterized by metamorphosis or change in physical form or substance
2. of or relating to metamorphosis (especially of rocks)
   • metamorphic stage
   • marble is a metamorphic rock that takes a high polish

Từ đồng nghĩa

• metamorphous