uniformitarian, n. and a.
(ˌjuːnɪfɔːmɪˈtɛərɪən)
[f. uniformit-y + -arian.]
A. n.
1. Geol. 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 or convulsionist.)
| 1840 Whewell Philos. Induct. Sciences I. p. xxxvi, The Catastrophist constructs Theories, the Uniformitarian demolishes them. 1860 Huxley Darwiniana Coll. Ess. 1893 II. 65 The most philosophical uniformitarian of the present day. 1891 Sir 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.
| 1890 Gildersleeve Ess. & Stud. 214 The Procrustean work of a miserable uniformitarian. |
B. adj.
1. Geol. Of or pertaining to, characteristic of or held by, uniformitarians.
| 1840 Whewell Philos. Induct. Sci. II. 135 The uniformitarian doctrine on this subject rests on most unstable foundations. 1869 Huxley in Scientific Opinion 21 April 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.
| 1869 Huxley in Scientific Opinion April 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.
| 1864 Bowen Logic ix. 301 The speculations of those whom Dr. Whewell calls the uniformitarian school of geologists. 1895 Q. Rev. April 386 The most influential uniformitarian geologist of our age. |
2. Of or pertaining to, advocating or practising, uniformity in something.
| 1897 Daily News 12 July 6/3 The Puritanism of the intolerant, uniformitarian Presbyterians. |