Clast

/klæst/ noun

Definition

A fragment or grain of rock broken down and transported by erosion or weathering, especially found in sedimentary rocks.

Etymology

From Greek 'klastos' meaning 'broken' (from 'klan' meaning to break). This geological term was borrowed directly from Greek in the 19th century during the development of modern geology.

Kelly Says

Every grain of sand on a beach is technically a clast—the beach itself is a beautiful record of rock destruction and rebuilding, proving that destruction is just transformation.

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