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Glite Dictionary
lithology

lithology

1 9.9
The study of rocks, what they are made of, and how they are grouped
  • noun
  • /lɪˈθɑlədʒi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : litología
  • In his research, he focused on the lithology of sedimentary rocks found in that region.

Examples

  • The geologist studied the lithology of the rock samples to identify their composition and characteristics.

  • Geology, gemology, lithology, and part-time cryptozoologist.

    Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

  • Shallow earth flowage is common on moderate or even gentle slopes in the same lithologies.

    Academic text (1991)

  • These samples cover the full range of lithologies observed at Site U1467, from almost pure carbonate to clay-rich carbonates.

    Academic text (2018)

  • Determining the lithology of various rock layers helps in understanding the geological history of the area.

Synonyms

petrography
vslithology
  • Specialized
9.8

The study of rocks, their parts, and how they formed

focuses on general physical features rather than detailed structure
petrology
vslithology
  • Specialized
9.8

The study of rocks, especially how they form and what they are made of

emphasizes general physical characteristics rather than origin and formation

How Specialized

petrology
  • Specialized
9.8
lithology
  • Specialized
1 9.9
geology
  • Specialized
49 3.5
earth science
  • Specialized
3 3.4

Surface Forms

lithology singular
lithologies plural

Morphology

lithology = litho + logy

The meaning is compositionally built from the combining forms litho- and -logy, but neither element is a standalone everyday English word.

Etymology

Lithology comes from the Greek parts litho- 'stone' and -logy 'study', the same litho- you see in words like monolith or lithosphere. So lithology means the study of stones and rocks, which is why it is used for rock types and their features.