English Reference
Adjective

geologic

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌdʒiəˈɫɑdʒɪk/ UK /dʒˌɪəlˈɒdʒɪk/ ge·o·log·ic Geology

adj.relating to the study of the Earth's physical structure and the rocks it is made of. It describes things that happen over very long periods of time, like the movement of mountains.

adj.relating to the study of the Earth's physical structure, substance, and history. Typically used to describe processes or time scales involving the Earth's crust and rock formations.


SIMPLE

The Grand Canyon shows millions of years of geologic history.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists use geologic mapping to identify areas at high risk for earthquakes or volcanic activity.

COMPLEX

The movement of tectonic plates is a slow geologic process that reshapes the continents over hundreds of millions of years.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; 'geological' is a more common variant in British English.

Yet geologic evidence shows stable liquid water already existed long before that.

Phys.org· 24 Aug 2026

Scientists cannot determine whether those organic molecules were produced through biologic or geologic processes.

ScienceDaily· 1 Aug 2026

From geology + -ic, perhaps after French géologique.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin French géologique
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated