metamorphism

noun meta·mor·phism \ -ˈmȯr-ˌfi-zəm \

Definition of metamorphism

: 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

Recent Examples of metamorphism from the Web

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, "The Quest for the Collision Zone: An Arctic Expedition," 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, "Witnessing the Birth of Sediment," 2 Jan. 2012

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'metamorphism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.