Brecciate

/ˈbrɛʃieɪt/ verb

Definition

To break into angular fragments or to form into breccia.

Etymology

From breccia plus the verb-forming suffix -ate. The suffix -ate creates verbs meaning 'to cause to become' or 'to treat with,' so brecciate means to create a brecciated condition.

Kelly Says

When geologists say rocks 'brecciate,' they're describing a violent geological process—intense heat, pressure, or grinding literally shatters solid rock into sharp-edged pieces that eventually get cemented back together.

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