ClimateAugust 13, 2026

diagenetic

dye-uh-juh-NET-ik

Definition

Relating to the physical and chemical changes that occur in sediments as they are compacted and transformed into solid sedimentary rock.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'dia' (thoroughly) and 'genesis' (origin or production). It was coined in the late 19th century to describe the processes that turn loose sediment into stone.

In the news

The researchers suggest that penguin fossils hold chemical clues about the early diagenetic environments, meaning the conditions present while the bones were becoming fossilized within the sediment.

Ancient Penguin Fossils Offer New Window Into Antarctica's Changing Climate | Newswise

Read the full article ↗

Newswise

Related words

basalt

A dark-colored, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms a thick layer over much of the…

Climate

depositional

Relating to the geological processes by which sediment, soil, and rocks are added to a…

Climate

geochemistry

The study of the chemical composition of, and the chemical changes within, geological…

Climate

hydrothermal

Relating to the action of heated water in the earth's crust, specifically concerning…

Climate

microfossil

A microscopic fossil, typically remains of tiny organisms, used by scientists to date…

Climate

palaeoclimatic

Relating to the study of ancient climates and the historical conditions of the Earth's…

Climate

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.