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A state of being amorphous; esp. a state of being without crystallization even in the minutest particles, as in glass, opal, etc.

A distorted image.

The state or quality of being metamorphic; the process by which the material of rock masses has been more or less recrystallized by heat, pressure, etc., as in the change of sedimentary limestone to marble. Murchison.

The change of one mineral species to another, so as to involve a change in physical characters without alteration of chemical composition.

Same as Anamorphism, 2.

Destructive or downward metabolism; regressive metamorphism; -- opposed to anabolism. See Disassimilation.

The metamorphism of limestone, that is, its conversion into marble. Geikie.

emical change of the substance, as of chrysolite to serpentine; -- opposed to ordinary metamorphism, as implying simply a recrystallization. -- Met`a*so*mat"ic, a.

Relating to paramorphism; exhibiting paramorphism.

Characterized by retrogression; retrogressive. Regressive metamorphism. (a) (Biol.) See Retrogression. (b) (Physiol.) See Katabolism.

rlier stages or known relationship. Called also retrograde development, and regressive metamorphism.

Amphibole resulting from the alternation of pyroxene by paramorphism. It is not uncommon in massive eruptive rocks.

The change of pyroxene to amphibole by paramorphism.