plutonism
[ ploot-n-iz-uhm ]
nounGeology.
the intrusion of magma and associated deep-seated processes within the earth's crust.
(often initial capital letter) the disproven theory that all rocks formed by solidification of a molten mass, promulgated by Scottish geologist James Hutton (1726–97).
Origin of plutonism
1First recorded in 1840–50; pluton(ic) + -ism
Other words from plutonism
- plu·to·nist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use plutonism in a sentence
He was a Neptunist, as opposed to the Vulcanists or Plutonists, who believed in the existence of a central fiery mass.
An Introduction to the History of Science | Walter LibbyOn the distinction between Neptunists and Plutonists, see the same work, pp. 504, 505.
History of Civilization in England, Vol. 3 of 3 | Henry Thomas Buckle
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