metamorphism

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the mineralogical and structural alteration of rock by heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids without complete melting

   Regional metamorphism transformed the shale into slate under intense pressure.

2. 2
   noun

   a profound change of form or character

   The abandoned warehouse underwent a striking metamorphism into a public library.

Modelled on French metamorphisme, from metamorphosis + -ism. Geology established the principal modern sense for the solid-state transformation of existing rock under heat, pressure, and reactive fluids.

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