Pronunciation: [klˈast] (IPA) 
The word "clast" is spelled with a "c" followed by the consonant cluster "la" and the vowel sound "st". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /klæst/. The "c" in "clast" is pronounced as a voiceless velar stop, or the sound represented by the letter "k". The "la" cluster is pronounced with a dark "l" followed by a short "a" sound. The final "st" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar stop, or the sound represented by the letter "t".
A clast refers to a fragment or a piece of rock that has been broken away or detached from a larger rock mass. It is typically used in the field of geology to describe the various sizes and shapes of rocks or minerals present within a sediment or sedimentary rock. Clasts can range in size from tiny particles, such as grains of sand, to larger boulders or pebbles.
The term "clast" is derived from the Greek word "klasis," which means "fragment" or "broken piece." Clasts are an essential component of sedimentary rocks, as they provide valuable information about the source rock and the processes through which sedimentary rocks were formed. By examining the composition, shape, and size of clasts, geologists can infer the geologic history of an area, such as the type of rock that was eroded or weathered to produce the clasts, as well as the mode of transportation and deposition of the sediment.
Clasts can be further categorized based on their mineralogy or lithology, which involves identifying the specific types of minerals or rocks present. For instance, a sandstone with predominantly quartz clasts is referred to as quartzarenite, while a sandstone with predominantly feldspar clasts is called arkose. By studying the clast content and characteristics, geologists can gain insights into the depositional environment, tectonic activity, and geological processes that shaped a particular sediment or sedimentary rock.
The word "clast" comes from the Greek word "klázein", which means "to break". It ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *kel- which also means "to break". In geology, a "clast" refers to a fragment or piece of rock that has been broken or detached from a larger rock formation.
