metacryst: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Specialist/Technical)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “metacryst” mean?
A crystal formed within a rock by recrystallisation of its minerals after the rock's initial formation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A crystal formed within a rock by recrystallisation of its minerals after the rock's initial formation.
In geology and petrology, a large, distinct crystal that grows within a solid metamorphic rock (a porphyroblast), typically representing a new mineral phase formed under metamorphic conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and terminology are identical in both varieties within the scientific community.
Connotations
Purely descriptive and technical in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside geological textbooks and research papers in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “metacryst” in a Sentence
The [mineral name] metacryst [verb, e.g., 'is embedded in', 'grows within'] the [rock type] matrix.Metacrysts of [mineral] [verb, e.g., 'indicate', 'form during'].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metacryst” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metacrystic texture was clearly visible under the microscope.
American English
- The metacrystic texture was evident in the thin section.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in geology, petrology, and earth science research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context. Refers to a specific petrological feature in rock thin-section analysis and metamorphic studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metacryst”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metacryst”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metacryst”
- Misspelling as 'metacrystal'.
- Using it to describe any large crystal in any rock type.
- Confusing it with 'phenocryst'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used only in geology and petrology.
A phenocryst is a large crystal in an igneous rock that formed early from the magma. A metacryst forms later, within a solid metamorphic rock via recrystallisation.
No, it is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'metacrystic'.
Primarily in Geology, specifically in the sub-disciplines of Metamorphic Petrology and Mineralogy.
A crystal formed within a rock by recrystallisation of its minerals after the rock's initial formation.
Metacryst is usually technical/scientific in register.
Metacryst: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛtəkrɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛdəkrɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: META (change) + CRYST (crystal) = a crystal formed by CHANGE within a rock.
Conceptual Metaphor
A new island (the metacryst) forming within an existing continent (the rock matrix).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'metacryst'?