Definition of metamorphic in US English:

adjective

• 1Geology
  Denoting or relating to rock that has undergone transformation by heat, pressure, or other natural agencies, e.g. in the folding of strata or the nearby intrusion of igneous rocks.

  Example sentences

  • ‘Most of these are on igneous and metamorphic rock to minimize groundwater losses.’
  • ‘The contacts between the complex and the Archaean metamorphic rocks are intrusive.’
  • ‘Corundum occurs as an accessory mineral in some metamorphic rocks, such as mica schist, gneiss, and crystalline limestone.’
  • ‘The basement of the Precordillera and Chilenia terranes are Grenville-age igneous and metamorphic rocks.’
  • ‘Paleoproterozoic igneous and metamorphic rocks along with Paleozoic sedimentary rocks make up the basement complex of the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado.’

• 2Of or marked by metamorphosis.

  ‘the shift from dead stillness to hurricane-force winds was as metamorphic as Jekyll to Hyde’

  More example sentences

  • ‘What makes him cool is his metamorphic properties.’
  • ‘The actor's metamorphic performance, meanwhile, took on the concept of acting itself.’
  • ‘Pune's metamorphic rise should enthuse other Governments to compete with it.’
  • ‘Like his metamorphic music, Stochansky's own life is abound with steady shifts and controlled chaos.’
  • ‘Her nose was buried so deeply into a book on metamorphic abilities; she did not hear the knock at the large cedar double doors, which led into the library from the great hall.’
  • ‘Carl was born in the Netherlands in 1898 and died in 1972, but his distorted, repetitive and metamorphic artwork continues to inspire people and fascinated the pupils.’
  • ‘In Julie's case, she will be able to combine both her love for the metamorphic technique with her farming role.’
  • ‘As reported earlier, there is a sect among the spider group that has metamorphic ability.’
  • ‘Her biomorphic forms are more metamorphic, suggesting growth and regeneration, as well as body metaphors.’
  • ‘However, a little-known, non-invasive practice called the metamorphic technique can be learned in just a few hours, and is a valuable skill for life.’