uniformitarianism Geol.
(ˌjuːnɪfɔːmɪˈtɛərɪənɪz(ə)m)
[f. prec. + -ism.]
The principles or doctrines held by the uniformitarian school of geologists; the theory of uniformity of action in the forces and processes of inorganic nature. (Opposed to catastrophism or convulsionism.)
| 1865 T. Marsden Sacr. Steps Creation 113 One is induced to ask, whether Uniformitarianism be mere Proselytism in the garb of Philosophy. 1894 Nature 26 July 290/1 The natural though exaggerated reaction into scientific uniformitarianism. |