clast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “clast” mean?
A fragment of rock or mineral that has been broken off from a larger mass through weathering, erosion, or other geological processes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fragment of rock or mineral that has been broken off from a larger mass through weathering, erosion, or other geological processes.
In geology, a constituent particle of a sedimentary rock, classified by size (e.g., pebble, sand, silt). In broader scientific contexts, can refer to any fragmented piece of a pre-existing material.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “clast” in a Sentence
[Adjective] + clastclast + [of + rock type]clast + [in/within + formation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clast” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The breccia showed a clast-rich layer.
- Clast morphology was analysed.
American English
- The sample had a clast-supported texture.
- Clast composition varied widely.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in geology, earth science, and archaeology papers to describe sedimentary components.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in sedimentology for classifying sedimentary rocks (e.g., conglomerate is clast-supported).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clast”
- Mispronouncing as /kleɪst/ (like 'taste').
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to clast').
- Confusing with 'blast'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in geology and related scientific fields.
No, 'clast' is solely a noun. The related verb for the process of breaking rock into clasts is 'fragment' or 'weather'.
A clast is a fragment of pre-existing rock or mineral, often transported. A crystal is a solid material with a naturally ordered atomic structure, which can form in place (e.g., from a solution) or be part of a clast.
It describes a sedimentary rock where the clasts (e.g., pebbles) are in direct contact with each other, supporting the rock's structure, with finer matrix material filling the spaces between them.
A fragment of rock or mineral that has been broken off from a larger mass through weathering, erosion, or other geological processes.
Clast is usually technical/scientific in register.
Clast: in British English it is pronounced /klɑːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /klæst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CLAST' as a 'CLASSic fragment of rock' that has been CAST off from a larger mass.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BUILDING BLOCK of sedimentary history; a RELIC of past destruction.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'clast' primarily used?