diagenesis

/ˌdaɪ.əˈd͡ʒɛn.ə.sɪs/

daɪ · ƏD͡ƷƐN · ə · sɪs (4 syllables)

English Noun

Definition

All the chemical, physical, and biological changes sediment goes through during and after lithification, not including weathering or other surface changes.

Etymology

Coined in the 18th century from greek meaning "Across Generation", dia- + genesis from Ancient Greek δια- (dia-, “through”) + γένεσις (génesis, “origin, creation”).