ACHONDRITIC Meaning and
Definition
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Achondritic is an adjective used to describe a type of meteorite or rock that lacks chondrules, the small, rounded grains typically found in primitive meteorites. The term "achondritic" derives from the Greek words "a" (meaning "not") and "chondrite" (a type of meteorite), emphasizing the absence of chondrules in these rocks.
Achondritic meteorites are formed from the molten fraction of their parent bodies and represent differentiated rocks. They are mainly composed of silicate minerals such as pyroxene, olivine, and feldspar. Due to their formation from differentiated parent bodies, achondrites are found to have undergone processes like partial melting, crystallization, and differentiation, distinguishing them from chondritic meteorites.
The lack of chondrules in achondritic rocks is a fundamental characteristic that sets them apart from other meteorite classes. Chondrules, abundant in chondritic meteorites, are formed by rapid cooling of molten droplets in the early solar system. In contrast, achondrites are believed to originate from larger planetary bodies, such as the Moon, Mars, and asteroids, where differentiation processes have occurred.
Scientists study achondritic meteorites to gain insights into the processes that took place within these planetary bodies, including the formation of crusts and mantles. The inclusions and chemical composition of achondritic meteorites serve as significant indicators for understanding the geological history and evolution of planets beyond Earth.
Common Misspellings for ACHONDRITIC
- zchondritic
- schondritic
- wchondritic
- qchondritic
- axhondritic
- avhondritic
- afhondritic
- adhondritic
- acgondritic
- acbondritic
- acnondritic
- acjondritic
- acuondritic
- acyondritic
- achindritic
- achkndritic
- achlndritic
- achpndritic
- ach0ndritic
Etymology of ACHONDRITIC
The word "achondritic" comes from the combination of two parts: "a-" and "chondritic".
1. The prefix "a-" is a negation or absence indicator, meaning "not" or "without". It is derived from the Greek "a-" meaning "not".
2. "Chondritic" refers to chondrites, a type of stony meteorite that contains small spherical structures known as chondrules. Chondrules are believed to have formed in the early solar system before the formation of planets. Thus, an "achondrite" refers to a type of meteorite lacking chondrules.
Combining the two parts, "achondritic" describes something that is "without chondrites". In the context of meteorology, it refers to rocks or meteorites that do not contain chondrules.
Similar spelling word for ACHONDRITIC
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