Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×
1

Wernerian

adjective Wer·ne·ri·an \ ¦wər¦nirēən , (ˈ)ver- \

Definition of Wernerian

1 : of or relating to A.G.Werner who classified minerals according to their external characters and advocated the theory that the strata of the earth's crust were formed by depositions from water
2 : of or according to the Wernerian system or theory : neptunian

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of wernerian

Abraham G. Werner †1817 German geologist and mineralogist + English -an

2

Wernerian

noun \ " \

Definition of Wernerian

plural -s
: a supporter of the Wernerian theory : neptunist

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up Wernerian? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

skirl

play

to emit the high shrill tone of bagpipes

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Wernerian

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

  • a-closeup-of-a-sunflower
  • Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games