metasomatize

English

Verb

metasomatize (third-person singular simple present metasomatizes, present participle metasomatizing, simple past and past participle metasomatized)

1. (geology, transitive) To change the bulk chemical composition of a rock is by the introduction of components from an external source, especially by a hydrothermal fluid.
   • 1999, James W. Vallance, Postglacial lahars and potential hazards in the White Salmon River system on the Southwest Flank of Mound Adams, Washington‎^[1]:

     In some way, not clearly understood, hydrothermal action metasomatizes the original andesite without destroying original textures or changing volumes.

Related terms

• metasomatism