diagenesis
noun
dia·gen·e·sis
ˌdī-ə-ˈje-nə-səs 
1
: recombination or rearrangement of constituents (as of a chemical or mineral) resulting in a new product
2
: the conversion (as by compaction or chemical reaction) of sediment into rock
Examples of diagenesis in a Sentence
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The variety of organic molecules observed suggests that some chemical diversity has been preserved in ancient Martian sediments despite billions of years of diagenesis (the process by which sediment turns to rock) and radiation exposure.
—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
21 Apr. 2026
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Leonard David,
Space.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Diagenesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diagenesis. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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