Anatexis is a scientific term that is commonly used in the field of geology. It refers to the process of melting of rocks due to high temperatures and pressure. This phenomenon is important in understanding the formation of igneous rocks and the evolution of the Earth’s crust.
Definitions
Anatexis is defined as the partial or complete melting of rocks due to high temperatures and pressure. The process involves the separation of the minerals that make up the rock, and the formation of new minerals as the rock melts.
Origin
The term “anatexis” is derived from the Greek word “anatektein,” which means “to melt up.” It was first used in the field of geology in the early 20th century to describe the process of rock melting.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, anatexis is defined as “the process of partial or complete melting of rocks under high temperature and pressure.” In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it is defined as “the melting of rocks during metamorphism.”
Associations
Anatexis is associated with the formation of igneous rocks, which are formed from the solidification of molten rock. It is also associated with the evolution of the Earth’s crust, as the melting of rocks can lead to the formation of new crustal material.
Synonyms
Synonyms of anatexis include rock melting, partial melting, and magma generation.
Antonyms
Antonyms of anatexis include solidification, crystallization, and lithification.
The same root words
Anatexis is derived from the Greek word “anatektein,” which means “to melt up.” Other words derived from this root include anatexic, which refers to the process of melting, and anatexite, which is a type of rock that has undergone partial melting.
Example Sentences
- The anatexis of the rock led to the formation of a new type of igneous rock.
- The high temperatures and pressure caused anatexis in the rock, leading to the formation of magma.
- The anatexis of the crustal material led to the formation of new mountain ranges.