Congelifract

/kɒnˈdʒɛlɪfrækt/ verb

Definition

To break or fracture rock by the action of frost or repeated freezing and thawing cycles.

Etymology

From Latin 'congelare' (to freeze) + 'frangere' (to break), combining two Latin roots to describe the geological process of frost shattering.

Kelly Says

Congelifract is a beautiful geological term that describes how mountains and rocks slowly crumble through winter—freeze-thaw cycles are powerful enough to shatter granite over centuries.

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