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petrology Definition

pe·trol·ogy (pə träl′ə jē)

noun

the branch of geology that deals with the classification, location, composition, structure, and origin of rocks

Etymology: petro- + -logy

petrology Related Forms

pet′·ro·log′ic (pe′trō läj′ik) adjective or pet′·ro·log′i·cal pet′·ro·log′i·cally adverb pe·trol′o·gist noun

petrology Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • metamorphic: Students studying structural geology in one term and metamorphic petrology in the next are able to synthesize information they obtain from both courses.
  • igneous: The notes cover the basic principles of igneous petrology including magma crystallization, igneous textures, magmatic differentiation and the naming of igneous rocks.
  • ceramic: Sourcing There are several different ways in which ceramic petrology can help to demonstrate the source of pottery.
  • experimental: Experimental petrology and mineral stability at high temperatures and pressures.

Modifies a noun

  • display: The petrology displays: rocks in the Museum Although rocks are all around us, they are often overlooked.
  • course: Petrology Introduction to Petrology is an online petrology course at the University of British Columbia.