idioblasticadj.
/ˌɪdɪə(ʊ)ˈblastɪk/, U.S. /ˌɪdiəˈblæstɪk/ 1. Biology. Of or relating to Hertwig's theory of idioblasts (idioblast n. 2). rare. Now historical.
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1908 Amer. Jrnl. Psychol. 19 435 It begins by a criticism of Darwin's theory of selection... Then follows a critique of the various idioblastic and chromosome and the bioblastic theories.
2. Geology. Designating or relating to a mineral crystal within a metamorphic rock which has developed its own characteristic crystal faces. Also: designating the ordering of minerals according to their relative ability to develop such crystals when occurring together.
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the world > the earth > minerals > mineral structure or appearance > [adjective] > crystalline > specific crystal
idiomorphic1887
automorphic1888
hypidiomorphic1888
euhedral1906
idioblastic1908
peloidal1933
the world > matter > chemistry > crystallography (general) > crystal (general) > structures and forms > [adjective] > idioblast
idioblastic1908
1908 Q. Jrnl. Geol. Soc. 64 482 Most of the hornblende existing in the amphibolite..is clearly secondary, and from its idiomorphic forms would be called ‘recrystallized’... For such cases Prof. F. Becke has proposed the term idioblastic.
1954 H. Williams et al. Petrogr. ix. 166 It is possible to list metamorphic minerals in a generalized sequence—the crystalloblastic series (idioblastic order)—such that each tends to develop idioblastic surfaces against any other mineral placed lower in the series.
1972 P. C. Bisaria in A. G. Jhingran et al. Himalayan Geol. II. 402 There are many porphyroblasts exhibiting prolonged period of crystallisation beyond deformation. Such are represented by an idioblastic, inclusion-free overgrowth.
2004 R. H. Vernon Pract. Guide Rock Microstruct. iv. 213 The development of the idioblastic crystals depends on the accumulation of a separate impurity phase along the crystal boundary.
3. Botany. Relating to or characteristic of idioblasts in plant tissue; of the nature of an idioblast (idioblast n. 1).
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1944 Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 71 307 In view of the idioblastic distribution of the [sclereid] initials in both large- and small-celled tissue, it is obvious that neither relative size nor position is a definitive character.
2004 Ann. Missouri Bot. Garden 91 495 The presence of idioblastic cells bearing calcium oxalate raphide crystals is a defining character for Araceae.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, November 2010; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1908