cataclasis

noun

cata·​cla·​sis
ˌkatəˈklāsə̇s;
kəˈtakləsə̇s,
kaˈ-
plural cataclases
-ˌsēz
: the crushing or fracturing of rocks and minerals during metamorphism compare breccia, crush breccia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek kataklasis, from kata- cata- + klasis breaking

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Cite this Entry

“Cataclasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cataclasis. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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