BOULDERS Meaning and
Definition
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Boulders are large, often rounded, rock fragments or stones that are significantly larger than gravel or pebbles. These natural formations are characterized by their substantial size and are typically found on the Earth's surface, particularly in areas influenced by geological processes such as erosion, weathering, or glacial movements. Boulders are composed of various types of rock, including granite, basalt, sandstone, limestone, or conglomerate, among others.
With a minimum diameter of 10 inches (25 centimeters), boulders can measure several feet or meters in circumference. They are commonly irregular in shape, although some can possess a relatively smooth and spherical form due to the action of water or ice over time. Boulders are primarily created by the gradual breakdown of larger rock masses through physical and chemical weathering.
Boulders play an essential role in various geological and ecological contexts. They serve as important components of natural landscapes, contributing to the formation of cliffs, riverbeds, or mountain ranges. Additionally, boulders provide shelter and habitats for a diverse range of organisms, including plants, insects, reptiles, or small mammals. Due to their resistance to erosion, boulders sometimes act as landmarks or reference points in geographic surveys or studies. In some cases, boulders can also pose challenges to human activities such as construction or farming, necessitating their removal or repositioning.
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In geol., the rounded or water-worn blocks of stone found imbedded in the clays and gravels of the drift formation; the rounded stones found on the surface of the earth, or on the sea-shore.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of BOULDERS
The word "boulders" has its origins in the Middle English term "bulder", which was derived from the Old English word "bealdan" meaning "to roll or move swiftly". The original sense of the word referred to any large, rounded rock that had been transported by natural forces such as glaciers or water. Over time, the term specifically came to represent larger rocks found in landscapes, often standing out due to their size and unusual shape. The word "boulders" has remained in use till today to describe such rocks.
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