diapir

noun

di·​a·​pir ˈdī-ə-ˌpir How to pronounce diapir (audio)
: an anticlinal fold in which a mobile core has broken through brittle overlying rocks
diapiric adjective

Word History

Etymology

French, probably from Greek diapeirein to drive through, from dia- + peirein to pierce; akin to Greek poros passage — more at fare

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diapir was in 1918

Dictionary Entries Near diapir

Cite this Entry

“Diapir.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diapir. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on diapir

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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