(of a mineral constituent of an igneous rock) not having its characteristic crystal shape because of deforming pressure from adjacent minerals
Derived forms
xenomorphically (ˌxenoˈmorphically)
adverb
xenomorphic in American English
(ˌzenəˈmɔrfɪk, ˌzinə-)
adjective
1. Also: allotriomorphic Geology
noting or pertaining to a mineral grain that does not have its characteristic crystalline form but has a form impressed on it by surrounding grains; anhedral
2.
in an unusual form; having a strange form
Derived forms
xenomorphically
adverb
Word origin
[1885–90; xeno- + -morphic]This word is first recorded in the period 1885–90. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: foregut, roller coaster, toner, twofer, zoomxeno- is a combining form meaning “alien,” “strange,” “guest,” used in the formation ofcompound words. Other words that use the affix xeno- include: xenocurrency, xenodiagnosis, xenogenesis, xenograft, xenophobe
Examples of 'xenomorphic' in a sentence
xenomorphic
Alteration from the fine xenomorphic grains of chrome spinels to the bigger idiomorphic crystals was observed.
D. E. Saveliev, I. A. Blinov 2015, 'Syndeformation Chrome Spinels Inclusions in the Plastically Deformed Olivine Aggregates(Kraka Ophiolites, the Southern Urals)', Vestnik Permskogo Universiteta: Seriâ Geologiâhttp://geology-vestnik.psu.ru/index.php/geology/article/view/96. Retrieved from DOAJ CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode)
Pyrite forms rare xenomorphic isometric grains.
R.R. Khasanov, A.I. Mullakaev, E.N. Dusmanov 2017, 'The Structure of Sandstones in Productive Horizons of the Permian Bituminous Depositsof Tatarstan (Russia)', Učënye Zapiski Kazanskogo Universiteta. Seriâ Estestvennye Naukihttp://kpfu.ru/portal/docs/F1891911906/159_1_est_11.pdf. Retrieved from DOAJ CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode)