Fractuosity

/ˌfrækʃuˈɑːsɪti/ noun

Definition

the quality or state of being fractuous; a tendency toward fracturing, breaking, or splitting; roughness or irregularity of surface with many breaks.

Etymology

From fractuous (adjective, meaning inclined to fracture) + -osity (suffix forming abstract nouns from adjectives). Both derive from Latin fractus (broken).

Kelly Says

Geologists describe rock fractuosity when analyzing whether stone will fracture in regular patterns or irregular ones—this determines how usable the stone is for construction and how natural resources like oil can be extracted.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.