metamorphism

noun

meta·mor·phism ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-ˌfi-zəm

: a change in the constitution of rock

specifically : a pronounced change effected by pressure, heat, and water that results in a more compact and more highly crystalline condition

Examples of metamorphism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Magnesite naturally forms in a few ways, like hydrothermal metamorphism, where the presence of water at high temperature and pressures changes magnesium-rich rocks like peridotte. —

David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 15 Aug. 2018 The patterns match those seen in the Alps and the Himalayas — zones that seemed to be huge thrust faults, folds of immense proportion, metamorphism at extreme conditions. —

Longreads, 12 Mar. 2018 Like many processes that occur at the Earth’s surface, the liberation of sediment from weathering rock is an intuitive process to visualize (compared to something like metamorphism). —

Brian Romans, WIRED, 2 Jan. 2012

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'metamorphism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.