Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

cryptoclastic

adjective
cryp·​to·​clas·​tic | \ ¦kriptə¦klastik\

Definition of cryptoclastic

of a rock
: made up of microscopic fragmental particles

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!

First Known Use of cryptoclastic

1879, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for cryptoclastic

International Scientific Vocabulary crypt- + clastic; originally formed as German kryptoklastisch

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about cryptoclastic

Statistics for cryptoclastic

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for cryptoclastic

The first known use of cryptoclastic was in 1879

See more words from the same year

Comments on cryptoclastic

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

detritus

Listen to the pronounciation of detritus

miscellaneous remnants or debris

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

The Exceptions Quiz III

  • one green toy robot amidst many red toy robots
  • Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

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