pseudomorph
verbEtymology From pseudo- (“false”) + -morph (“form”).
1
To be transformed into such a form
pseudomorph
nounEtymology From pseudo- (“false”) + -morph (“form”).
1
A deceptive, irregular, or false form; specifically
› A deceptive, irregular, or false form; specifically:
2
Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mineralogy, Natural sciences, Physical sciences A mineral that formed by replacement of an existing mineral (or organic matter) such that the new mineral has the appearance and dimensions of the original.
- Petrified wood is a silicic pseudomorph of the original wood.
- The first kind of pseudomorphs, are pseudomorphs by alteration; the second, pseudomorphs by replacement; the third, pseudomorphs by infiltration; the fourth, pseudomorphs by incrustation.1852, James D. Dana, A Manual of Mineralogy, page 54:
- Derived terms
- opal pseudomorph, pseudomorphic
- Related terms
- pseudomorphism