metasomatism Geol.
(mɛtəˈsəʊmətɪz(ə)m)
[f. meta- + Gr. σωµατ-, σῶµα body + -ism.]
= metasomatosis.
| 1886 T. S. Hunt Min. Physiol. & Physiogr. 83 Constituting what has been appropriately designated metasomatism. 1896 Van Hise in 16th Rep. U.S. Geol. Surv. i. 689 Metasomatism may be defined as the process of metamorphism by which original minerals are partly or wholly altered into other minerals, or are replaced by other minerals, or are recrystallized without chemical changes. |
Hence metaˈsomatist, one who holds the geological theory of metasomatosis (Funk's Stand. Dict. 1895).