catastrophism

(kə tastrə fiz′əm)

noun

  1. the former theory that geologic changes are caused in general by sudden upheavals rather than gradually
  2. an outlook envisioning imminent catastrophe

Related Forms:

See catastrophism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. Geology The doctrine that major changes in the earth's crust result from catastrophes rather than evolutionary processes.
  2. The prediction or expectation of cataclysmic upheaval, as in political or social developments.

Related Forms:

  • ca·tasˈtro·phist noun

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