Autoformation

/ˌɔːtoʊfɔːrˈmeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The process of something forming or taking shape by itself, without external shaping or construction.

Etymology

From 'auto-' (self) and 'formation' (from Latin 'formare,' to shape). This term is used in geology, chemistry, and developmental biology.

Kelly Says

Crystals in nature are a perfect example of autoformation—atoms naturally arrange themselves into stunning geometric patterns without anyone building them, following only the rules of physics and chemistry!

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