metamorphic

adjective

meta·​mor·​phic ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-fik How to pronounce metamorphic (audio)
1
: of or relating to metamorphosis
2
of a rock : of, relating to, or produced by metamorphism
metamorphically adverb

Examples of metamorphic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Igneous rocks are connected to volcanic processes while metamorphic rocks are formed through heat, pressure or fluids, or a combination of those forces. Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 Unfortunately, most of these rocks are igneous, or in the case of the Acasta Gneiss, metamorphic, meaning that fossils are never or only very rarely preserved. Big Think, 17 June 2024 One thing about the PVP that delights Coffey is that it is composed of all three kinds of rock — sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2024 Swift is asking us to read the album as a metamorphic bid for catharsis—the idea, espoused by Aristotle (whom Swift name-checks on TTPD), that staging pain and tragedy as artistic spectacles can help purge us of their effects. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for metamorphic 

Word History

Etymology

meta- + -morphic, after metamorphosis

Note: The geological term was introduced by Charles lyell in Principles of Geology, vol. 3 (London, 1833), p. 375: "We divide the hypogene rocks, then, into the unstratified, or plutonic, and the altered stratified. For these last the term 'metamorphic' (from μετα, trans, and μορφη, form) may be used." See also note at metamorphism.

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of metamorphic was in 1816

Dictionary Entries Near metamorphic

Cite this Entry

“Metamorphic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metamorphic. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

metamorphic

adjective
meta·​mor·​phic ˌmet-ə-ˈmȯr-fik How to pronounce metamorphic (audio)
: changed into a more compact form by the action of pressure, heat, and water
a metamorphic rock
compare igneous, sedimentary sense 2

Medical Definition

metamorphic

adjective
meta·​mor·​phic ˌmet-ə-ˈmȯr-fik How to pronounce metamorphic (audio)
: of or relating to metamorphosis
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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