uniformitariann.adj.
/ˌjuːnᵻfɔːmᵻˈtɛːrɪən/, U.S. /ˌjunəˌfɔrməˈtɛriən/ A. n.
1. Geology. One who maintains or accepts the theory that geological processes and phenomena have always been and still are due to causes or forces operating continuously and with uniformity. (Opposed to catastrophist n. or convulsionist n.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > earth sciences > theory of formation of earth > theorist > [noun] > uniform action
uniformitarian1840
1840 W. Whewell Philos. Inductive Sci. I. p. xxxvi The Catastrophist constructs Theories, the Uniformitarian demolishes them.
1860 T. H. Huxley Darwiniana in Coll. Ess. (1893) II. 65 The most philosophical uniformitarian of the present day.
1891 R. Ball Ice Age 173 It places the ice-sheet..at the disposal of the geological uniformitarian.
2. An advocate of uniformity; a uniformist. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > uniformity > [noun] > one who advocates
uniformist1885
uniformitarian1890
1890 B. L. Gildersleeve Ess. & Stud. 214 The Procrustean work of a miserable uniformitarian.
B. adj.
1.
a. Geology. Of or pertaining to, characteristic of or held by, uniformitarians.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > earth sciences > theory of formation of earth > [adjective] > uniform action
uniformitarian1840
1840 W. Whewell Philos. Inductive Sci. II. 135 The uniformitarian doctrine on this subject rests on most unstable foundations.
1869 Huxley in Scientific Opinion 21 Apr. 464/3 The influence of uniformitarian views has been..favourable to the progress of sound geology.
1884 H. Spencer in Contemp. Rev. July 25 The leading expositor of the uniformitarian theory in Geology.
b. In accordance with the theory of the uniformitarians; proceeding from geological uniformity.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > earth sciences > theory of formation of earth > [adjective] > uniform action > in accordance with
uniformitarian1869
1869 Huxley in Scientific Opinion Apr. 487/1 All these irregular..catastrophes would be the result of an absolutely uniformitarian action.
c. Of persons: Holding or adhering to the theory or doctrines of the uniformitarians.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > earth sciences > theory of formation of earth > theorist > [adjective] > uniform action
uniformitarian1864
1864 F. C. Bowen Treat. Logic ix. 301 The speculations of those whom Dr. Whewell calls the uniformitarian school of geologists.
1895 Q. Rev. Apr. 386 The most influential uniformitarian geologist of our age.
2. Of or pertaining to, advocating or practising, uniformity in something.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > uniformity > [adjective] > advocating uniformity
unitivea1500
uniformitarian1897
1897 Daily News 12 July 6/3 The Puritanism of the intolerant, uniformitarian Presbyterians.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1924; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.adj.1840