petrogenesis

noun

pet·​ro·​gen·​e·​sis ˌpe-trō-ˈje-nə-səs How to pronounce petrogenesis (audio)
: the origin or formation of rocks
petrogenetic adjective

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Petrogenese or Petrogenesis, from petro- petro- + -genese, -genesis genesis

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petrogenesis was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near petrogenesis

Cite this Entry

“Petrogenesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petrogenesis. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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