How Do You Spell KEUPER?

Pronunciation: [kjˈuːpə] (IPA)

The word "Keuper" is a geological term used to describe a type of sedimentary rock formation. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable, "keu," is pronounced as /kø:/, with the "e" sound being pronounced as a slightly rounded vowel. The second syllable, "per," is pronounced as /pə(r)/, with the "e" sound being pronounced as a schwa vowel. The combination of these two sounds results in a unique and distinct pronunciation of the word "Keuper."

KEUPER Meaning and Definition

1. Keuper is a geological term that refers to a specific rock formation found predominantly in central Europe, particularly in Germany and the United Kingdom. It is a type of sedimentary rock that belongs to the Triassic period and is known for its distinctive reddish-brown coloration. The term "Keuper" is derived from the German word "Kupfer," meaning copper, due to the presence of iron oxide minerals in the rock, giving it its characteristic reddish hue.

   The Keuper formation is known for its diverse lithology, consisting of layers of sedimentary rocks such as sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, and marl. These rocks often contain abundant fossil remains of plants and marine creatures, making the Keuper a valuable source for paleontological studies. Additionally, the Keuper is of great economic significance due to its rich deposits of clay, which are frequently used for the production of bricks and pottery.

   The Keuper formation holds geological importance as it represents a transitional phase between the older Permian rocks and the overlying Jurassic formations. It is a vital stratigraphic marker for dating rocks of the Triassic period and provides crucial insights into the evolution of the Earth's crust and ecosystems during that time. The Keuper formation serves as a reference point for understanding the sedimentary processes, climate conditions, and biotic changes that occurred during the Triassic period, aiding in the interpretation of Earth's geological history.

2. In geol., the uppermost division of the Trias group of strata; also a name applied to members of the New Red Sandstone formation.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for KEUPER

• jeuper
• meuper
• leuper
• oeuper
• ieuper
• kwuper
• ksuper
• kduper
• kruper
• k4uper
• k3uper
• keyper
• kehper
• kejper
• keiper
• ke8per
• ke7per
• keuoer
• keu-er

Etymology of KEUPER

The word "Keuper" is derived from the German term "Keupermergel", which is a combination of "Keuper" and "mergel". "Keuper" comes from the Middle High German word "kouber", meaning "dirty" or "clayey". The term "mergel" is a German word for "marl" or "argillaceous limestone". In geology, the "Keuper" refers to a specific geological formation primarily consisting of marl and clayey rocks found in parts of Germany, Switzerland, and surrounding regions.