Fendillation

/ˌfɛndɪˈleɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The process of forming small cracks or fissures; the state of being fendillate with fine surface divisions.

Etymology

From 'fendillate' (having small cracks) combined with the noun suffix '-ion' (the act or process of). A technical term in botany, dermatology, and geology for describing surface fracturing.

Kelly Says

Desert rocks display beautiful fendillation patterns from centuries of temperature changes causing the surface to expand and contract until it looks like a checkerboard—nature's stress cracks.

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